FAQ

What countries are included in your child sponsorship program?

Our ministry focuses on orphaned children in Africa who have been affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The areas within the African continent where we currently sponsor children are South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Uganda.

How are children chosen for your sponsorship program?

Potentially eligible children are referred to our Regional Coordinators by church pastors and/or volunteers in the village where they reside. Once the children are identified, our African staff interviews both the children and their caregivers in order to gain an understanding of the children’s family history and personal story. Once the interviews have been concluded and the information is verified by our African staff, the children’s profiles and photos are sent to our US office for processing.

What does my monthly donation provide?

Your sponsorship dollars provide your child with the basic necessities of life. Through your compassionate giving, your child will receive strong Christian support and training, food, clothing and basic medical care. In addition, your donation will allow your child the opportunity to attend school. In Africa, schools are not free and, in most cases, children are required to wear a uniform or they are not allowed in school. These fees place an impossible burden upon the caregivers but through the generosity of our sponsors many children are given the opportunity of an education that once seemed impossible.

Do caregivers receive cash from Horizon?

No! Cash is not directly given to the caregivers. Distribution of food and supplies is handled through our African staff in each region. School fees are paid directly to the school. Medical requirements are also handled by our African staff. This practice helps to ensure that the needs of your child are met and allows our staff to see your child on a regular basis to check on his/her progress and make sure your child is being cared for in the best possible environment.

Will I get updates on my child?

Yes! You will receive a progress report and an updated photo of your child once a year to allow you to see the impact your generous support is having on your child’s life. We will also keep you updated on general things pertaining to your child.

Can I visit my sponsored child?

Yes! Horizon International conducts Vision Teams and GO Teams (Global Outreach) to our sites in Africa each year. If you accompany us on these trips, we will do everything we can to allow you the opportunity to see your child. If you travel to Africa on your own, please contact the Horizon US office and we will make arrangements with our Regional Coordinators in Africa to give you a chance to meet your child.

Can I correspond with my child?

Yes! We encourage correspondence between sponsors and their child. You are an important part of their support system. We provide sponsors the opportunity to send packages three times each year and sponsors can expect to hear from their child at least twice each year. All correspondence must be forwarded to our Child Sponsorship Coordinator who will then direct the correspondence to the proper African center. The introductory packet you will receive when you sign up as a sponsor will include the dates for sending correspondence to your child, along with package requirements and gift ideas. Horizon International reserves the right to review all correspondence between sponsor and child.

How long is my commitment to my child?

We ask that you make a commitment to sponsor your child until they are 18 years old or until they are no longer in school. Due to some African children starting school at an older age, they may require assistance past the age of 18. If your situation changes due to some unforeseen circumstances and you are no longer able to continue with your sponsorship, please contact us two months prior to your cancellation. This will allow us the opportunity to find another sponsor who can continue to provide the loving support you have demonstrated to your child.

How do I pay for my monthly sponsorship?

For your convenience, we offer several methods of making your monthly donation. You can mail your monthly donation to our office, or if you prefer, we can set your payment to automatically withdraw each month from either your banking or credit card account.

I want to sponsor a child. What steps do I need to take?
You can contact our office at our toll-free number (1-866-778-7072) and speak with our Child Sponsorship Coordinator, or go to our website (www.horizoninternationalinc.com) and click on "sponsorship." Within two weeks, you will receive an introductory packet that includes a picture and background information on your child, the country where your child resides, guidelines for corresponding with your child, and payment forms.

We wiil do everything we can to make sure you are connected to your sponsored child. When you sponsor a child, you become a crucial part of their support system. Partnering with Horizon to sponsor a child shows that child that someone cares about him or her. If you have any questions, please contact our staff at Horizon International.