We talked about school, sport and RE. We played football, frisbee and dodgeball. We enjoyed a soda or two and took many photos. This was a truly rewarding experience and it was great to see at first- hand, how my sponsored children have benefited from child sponsorship through Fields of Life.
Read more of Chris's experience.
At Fields of Life, we encourage our child sponsors to meet and visit with the children to whom they give their financial as well as emotional support. It should be pointed out, however, that Fields of Life as a responsible organisation is mindful of child protection issues and recognises that protection of the children is paramount. The main aim of Fields of Life's Child Protection Policy is to ensure the welfare of the children and to protect them from a tiny percentage of unscrupulous people.
In preparation for a visit, the child sponsor must contact the Dublin or Northern Irish offices (consult the Contact Us for details) when arranging to visit a sponsored child. The sponsored child, family or guardian will be consulted and agreement sought for the visit.
Visiting a child in whose life you are positively helping can be a very moving and fulfilling experience. With a bit of planning and assistance from Fields of Life, it can be a worry free, organised, and life changing event!
Some legal information:
Wherever possible, the visit will take place primarily in the child's school to facilitate the visit and for the child's protection. In addition, visiting sponsors should not be insulted if they are requested to provide proof of identification before being taken to the location of the meeting. Sponsor's visits are not normally longer than one day and although visits are encouraged, frequent visits to any one child will be discouraged. If there is a need to stay in the locality, the visitor should not seek or accept accommodation from the family or guardian of the sponsored child. A visit should take place with a responsible adult who is known to the child present, for example, a family member, guardian or teacher, and with a Fields of Life representative present at all times. In fact, a Fields of Life representative will accompany you on the visit. Unannounced visits will be viewed as a serious breach of trust and the Fields of Life may decide to terminate sponsorship as a result. All visitors will be provided with the Fields of Life Child Protection Policy and must agree to follow its procedures and advice. Information about the country and its cultural traditions will also be provided so that cultural practices, such as norms of dress, polite greeting and interaction, will be sensitively observed. In addition, child sponsorship visitors will agree to follow advice regarding appropriate behaviour or language and will treat the children, their families, community members and the Fields of Life staff with respect at all times.As a measure of respect, permission should be obtained from the children and families by the sponsor/visitor before taking their photographs. Please be advised that a FOL staff member will advise regarding the appropriateness of particular photographs.