It takes a village
Australians’ views on child sponsorship Plan International Australia and IPSOS report September 2017
A sponsored child reading a letter from her sponsor in Cambodia. 1
FOREWORD
Ian Wishart, CEO, Plan International Australia Sponsorship is very close to my heart. My family and I have sponsored children for 30 years. We currently sponsor two girls, one in Vietnam and one in Cambodia. Over the years, my kids have grown up feeling that sponsoring those less fortunate is something an Australian family does. They have written and received letters and updates about the communities the children live in. It’s been a meaningful experience for my family and I know that’s one that many sponsors in Australia share. According to Pareto Fundraising Benchmarking, Australians gave at least $200 million in 2016 to the top five child sponsorship agencies. It’s one of our favourite ways to contribute to charity. In fact, 40,000 families around Australia sponsor with Plan International Australia. These Australians are very diverse but they have one thing in common: an understanding that sponsorship is a proven way to help children out of disadvantage. We are very interested in how the Australian community feels and thinks about sponsorship. That’s why we partnered with IPSOS to survey 1000 Australians in the community – those who sponsor as well as those who don’t – to learn more about their motivations.
We were delighted to find sponsorship is still a very meaningful experience for so many people. In fact many share my personal experience of it being a great way to teach their kids about the world. We also recognise that there are misconceptions about sponsorship and I hope that we can help people understand by providing the facts. I’ve seen how communities have changed over time thanks to sponsor contributions. How children can stay in school, have access to fresh water and wholesome food, better buildings and safer neighbourhoods. It is true that it takes a village to raise a child. And Plan International Australia’s sponsors are proud members of the global community. Like me, Plan’s sponsors believe that life shouldn’t be a lottery depending on where you are born and that every child deserves to grow up safe and supported, regardless of their religion or circumstances. Plan International Australia is proud to work in 51 countries worldwide to give kids the childhood they deserve. To be clear, we simply could not do it without sponsors – they are the lifeblood of our organisation and to them, I say thank you for making the world a brighter place for kids and their communities. And for those considering it, I urge you to give it a try to experience the many rewarding benefits of child sponsorship for yourself.
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Children sings a song during an activity led by a Plan International worker in Bomi county, Liberia
Key findings at a glance Australians overwhelmingly believe children in all corners of the world deserve help, and that child sponsorship is a way to make a positive contribution to the world. •
The vast majority of sponsors (86%) agree or strongly agree that sponsorship is a way to make a positive contribution in the world.
•
Overwhelmingly, sponsors (87%) believe their sponsorship makes a lasting difference to the child and that it benefits the entire community (82%).
•
Two out of ten Australians have sponsored a child at some point in their lives. Fourteen per cent of people who have never sponsored say they are interested in becoming a sponsor.
•
Young people are the most likely to want to sponsor. Almost one in three (27%) in the 25-35 year old age group said they are interested in sponsoring a child.
•
More than half of the Australians surveyed (51%) agreed the world would be a better place if everyone sponsored a child.
•
For parents, the number one reason for sponsoring is to teach their children about the world (85% agree).
•
The number one reason people do not sponsor is because it is not a good time for them financially (70% of non-sponsors agree), and two-thirds are more concerned with issues in Australia (63%).
•
Half (51%) of all non-sponsors list not wanting to get involved with agencies that have a religious agenda as a reason not to sponsor, even though many (like Plan) don’t.
•
Many non-sponsors are not sure how sponsorship works and there are a few key common misconceptions, such as a belief the money does not make it to the child’s community. 3
Child sponsorship and Plan International Australia Plan International Australia’s child sponsorship program reduces poverty for the long term by tailoring projects that match the needs of children in each community, and by fighting gender inequality through helping girls unlock their potential. Sponsors commit to a $51 a month ongoing donation (that’s less than $2 a day) and can choose the gender, age and location of their sponsor child. Sponsors are invited to write to their sponsor child and to learn more about the sponsor child’s community and life. Many Plan sponsors visit their sponsor children. Plan International Australia is not religious. Donations fund life-changing projects in the sponsored child’s community to benefit everyone. These projects make it possible for all children in that same community to access their basic rights. Communities are selected to participate in the child sponsorship program based on critical measures set by the United Nations such as an infant mortality rate of 40 or more per 1000 live births.
Plan International Australia works with a community before enrolling children into the sponsorship program, so families know why Plan International is collecting information about their children and how this information will be used. Communities are invited to nominate families to take part in the program, with the most disadvantaged families encouraged to participate. The sponsored child acts as a community representative, and doesn’t receive preferential treatment over other children. Children who are sponsored with Plan are ambassadors for their community and enjoy learning about Australia and sharing stories about their families and their lives through correspondence with their sponsors. Plan International’s child sponsorship program is designed so that everyone benefits for the long term.
“When I had a sponsor child in India through Plan International, I happened to be in Delhi for other work commitments and decided to reach out to Plan International to see if I could see the child sponsorship funded work first-hand. I was really impressed to see what was being achieved by the donations provided through child sponsorship, for entire communities and not just the sponsored child. I still sponsor children through Plan International to this day”.
Christine Milne, Plan international child sponsor “I grew up in Adelaide, in South Australia, far away from any threat of war or displacement and with a number of safety nets to ensure those facing real hardship can find help. We all know there are millions of children who miss out on even the basics: food, shelter and security. Education is a bonus, yet it must be a part of any long-term solution. I can’t physically help those who weren’t lucky like me but, in a small way, I can help support those who do that incredibly valuable work”
Bruce McAveney, Plan international child sponsor 4
Sponsor child, Eudel, 8, at her school in Zimbabwe.
Meet one of our sponsor children Like most 8-year-old girls, Eudel likes going to school, playing with her friends and spending time with her grandmother. Eudel and her family have lived through tough times. Growing up in a rural community in Zimbabwe, where few resources were available, posed big challenges for families’ ability to meet even simple living needs. After Eudel’s father passed away, her mother, Shylit, was left with the difficult task of being the sole provider for her children. Thanks to Plan sponsors, Shylit now runs a grinding mill where they shell, grind, and roast peanuts to produce, package, market and sell peanut butter to support the family and provide employment for others in the community.
And because Eudel is now sponsored through Plan, she can now source clean water from a nearby well, eat balanced meals, and attend school with her friends, meaning she can focus on just being a kid, while also looking forward to a promising tomorrow.
“If I could meet the sponsors, I will be happy, clean and wearing a presentable uniform,” Eudel said. “I would like to tell them: ‘Thank you very much.’” 5
Mary, 11, is a Plan International sponsored child from Ghana. She attends a new school built in her community by Plan International.
About the Plan International Australia Child Sponsorship survey Plan International Australia commissioned leading polling agency IPSOS to undertake an anonymous online survey regarding Australians’ perceptions of child sponsorship in August 2016. One thousand people were randomly selected across Australia, with every state and territory represented. Women were slightly over-represented, with 100 more women than men participating in the survey. Of the survey respondents, 60 per cent were parents.
Participants were then presented with a range of statements about child sponsorship and asked to what extent they agree or disagree. Current sponsors were asked why they sponsor and those who do not and have not ever sponsored were asked why they do not. Everyone who took the survey was invited to share comments about their feelings towards sponsorship. In this report, where ‘Don’t Know’ was indicated, the responses have been removed.
Survey participants were asked whether they currently or have previously sponsored with any child sponsorship agency, whether or not they have their own children, their age, state and territory and their gender.
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SURVEY FINDINGS Who sponsors?
Of the 1000 people surveyed, one in 10 currently sponsor a child (9%), another one in 10 have previously sponsored a child (13%). Three-quarters (77%) have never sponsored a child but of those, 14% said they were interested in sponsoring a child. Men and women were identical in their responses, with 22 per cent of both genders (one in five) indicating they currently sponsor or have previously sponsored a child. Those in the 35 to 44-year-old age group were the most likely to have currently or previously sponsored (29%).
The lower rates of child sponsorship are most likely due to financial constraints commonly experienced in younger and older age groups. Women were more likely than men to want to sponsor a child (16% versus 13%). The younger age groups (between 18 and 34) were far more likely than the older age groups to express desire for sponsorship. For example, when we asked people aged over 65, only 4% said they were interested, compared to 27% in the 25 to 34-year-old age group.
Older Australians aged over 65 were the least likely to have sponsored a child now or previously, at only 13 per cent. And young people aged 18-24 were least likely to be sponsoring currently, at only one in 20.
Coby Viergever meets her sponsor child EsteydĂ at her home in Nicaragua 7
Do you sponsor a child? Yes
9%
No, but I have previously
13%
No, I have never sponsored a child
77%
For those who don’t sponsor, are you interested in sponsoring a child? Yes
14%
No
63%
Not sure
23%
Sponsorship by age
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65 +
Don’t know
3%
0%
2%
1%
0%
1%
No, I have never sponsored a child
76%
73%
69%
75%
82%
86%
Yes, I currently am sponsoring a child
4%
14%
15%
11%
5%
5%
Yes, I have previously sponsored a child
18%
12%
14%
12%
13%
8%
Sponsorship by gender
Female Male
No, I have never sponsored a child
76%
78%
Yes, I currently am sponsoring a child
9%
10%
Yes, I have previously sponsored a child
13%
12%
Sponsorship by parenting status
No kids Kids
No, I have never sponsored a child
81%
74%
Yes, I currently am sponsoring a child
5%
12%
Yes, I have previously sponsored a child
12%
13%
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Part one: General community attitudes to sponsorship Survey respondents were asked to what extent they agree or disagree with key statements around child sponsorship.
“Children deserve our help, wherever they live.”
“Sponsoring children is a good way for kids in Australia to learn about the developing world.”
“Child sponsorship is important for improving communities in the developing world.”
The majority of the 1000 people surveyed (71%) say children deserve help everywhere in the world, only one in 20 (6%) disagree. The 25-34-year-old age group were the most likely to agree, at 79 per cent and only 2 per cent disagreeing or strongly disagreeing. Strongly disagree
3%
Disagree
3%
Neutral
20%
Agree
43%
Strongly agree
28%
The majority of respondents agreed that sponsorship is a good way for children to learn about the developing world (62%) and only one in 10 disagreed (11%). Strongly disagree
4%
Disagree
7%
Neutral
23%
Agree
46%
Strongly agree
16%
Overall, almost two-thirds (59%) believe child sponsorship is important, with one in three (31%) ambivalent about it and one in 10 (10%) saying it does not make a difference. Women were more likely than men to agree or strongly agree with this statement at 65%. Strongly disagree
4%
Disagree
6%
Neutral
27%
Agree
42%
Strongly agree
17% 9
“Sponsoring a child is a good way to develop understanding and compassion for other cultures, religions and people.”
More than half of respondents (58%) agreed or strongly agreed with this view. Only on in 10 disagreed. Women were significantly more likely to agree with this statement than men at 63 per cent versus 51 per cent.
“Every Australian family should sponsor a child if they can afford to.”
Of those surveyed, 39% agreed or strongly agreed, one in four disagreed or strongly disagreed (23%) and a further 38% were ambivalent. Women were more likely to agree or strongly agree with this statement at 42%. Those in the 25-34-year-old age groups were also more likely to agree of any group, with half in agreeance with this statement.
“The world would be a better place if everyone sponsored a child”
“More people should sponsor a child.”
Strongly disagree
4%
Disagree
7%
Neutral
27%
Agree
40%
Strongly agree
18%
Strongly disagree
4%
Disagree
7%
Neutral
23%
Agree
46%
Strongly agree
16%
Half the survey respondents (51%) agreed or strongly agreed that universal child sponsorship would improve the world, only 16% disagreed with this statement. Women were more likely than men to agree or strongly agree with this statement (55% vs 47%). Men were the most likely to disagree, with one in five choosing the negative. Strongly disagree
6%
Disagree
10%
Neutral
28%
Agree
36%
Strongly agree
15%
Almost half of the Australians (47%) agreed that more people should sponsor a child. Interestingly there was very little variance between ages, location, children or political preference for this question, with the only significant difference of more men disagreeing with this statement than women (15% of men disagreed or strongly disagreed). Strongly disagree
4%
Disagree
9%
Neutral
35%
Agree
33%
Strongly agree
14% 10
Part two: Why do people sponsor children?
Women meets her sponsored child during Cycle4Girls visit to Vietnam.
These questions were answered by those people in the survey who either currently or have previously sponsored a child. Overall, the top motivation for child sponsorship was to make a lasting difference to a child’s life in a developing nation and their community. Almost equally as important, was the desire to make a positive difference in the world. Parents listed wanting their children to understand the experiences of people overseas as a very important reason for sponsoring. Receiving correspondence from their sponsor child was a significant motivator for sponsors, with two-thirds (67%) of those surveyed listing it as important. However, parents rated this as much more important than people without children (72%). “I couldn’t have children for a while so I started sponsoring as a way of taking care of a child. I still continue to sponsor even though I now have two children of my own.” “I have visited the countries where my sponsored children live and I want to help the girls the most as I have witnessed the inequality they face.” “It is the right thing to do. If we all did our bit, so many of the world’s problems would be solved.” “I really feel for those who just don’t have access to privileges like we do. And there are so many that don’t even have enough food or running water. I feel that if we can do it, we all need to help.” “I myself was a foster child. I feel a kinship with those who do not have all of the opportunities I had through my foster parents.” “I want to teach my children that not everyone is so fortunate.” “It gives me a chance to give back to the wider community because I feel very blessed and lucky in my own life.” “Sponsorship is a way for people to counteract cuts made by government to foreign aid.” * Answers are from real child sponsors who took the Plan International Australia survey. 11
“I want my children to understand the experiences of people in other countries.”
“I enjoy receiving letters from my sponsor child.”
Three-quarters of respondents (73%) agreed or strongly agreed and only 4 per cent disagree. People with children responded 85 per cent, only 4 per cent disagreed with this statement. The response was similar by gender, with women at 74 per cent and men at 72 per cent. Disagree
4%
Neutral
10%
Agree
39%
Strongly agree
34%
Not applicable
13%
The majority of sponsors say receiving communication from their sponsor child is important (67%). People with children were markedly more likely to enjoy receiving correspondence from their sponsor child at 72% versus 61% of childless sponsors. People in the 45 to 54 age group were the most likely to enjoy receiving letters (74%). Sponsors aged 18-24 were less likely to rate this as a motivation. Some sponsors choose not to correspond with their sponsor child, which is why one in 10 chose ‘not applicable’. Strongly disagree
2%
Disagree
2%
Neutral
20%
Agree
37%
Strongly agree
30%
Not applicable
9%
A drawing from a Plan International Australia sponsor child. 12
“Sponsorship is a way for me to make a positive contribution to the world.”
“Sponsorship makes a lasting difference to a child and their community.”
“Sponsorship helps not just one child, but their entire community.”
“I feel like my donations really make an impact.”
The vast majority of sponsors (86%) agree or strongly agree that sponsorship is a way to make a positive contribution in the world. Only 3% disagreed with this statement. Those in the 45-54 age group most likely to agree with this at 89%. Strongly disagree
2%
Disagree
2%
Neutral
9%
Agree
48%
Strongly agree
38%
The vast majority of people who have sponsored say sponsorship makes a lasting difference (87%) and very few (3%) disagreed. Women were more likely to agree at 89% versus 83% of men. There were no significant differences among age group. Parents were more likely to agree at 89% versus 84% who do not have children. Strongly disagree
1%
Disagree
1%
Neutral
10%
Agree
48%
Strongly agree
39%
There were very high levels of awareness among sponsors that their contribution is not for one child, but helps the whole community. The vast majority (82%) recognise this. Less than 5% disagreed. Women were more likely to agree at 84% versus 77% of men. Again, parents were more likely to agree with this statement at 87%. Strongly disagree
1%
Disagree
4%
Neutral
12%
Agree
48%
Strongly agree
34%
Three-quarters of sponsors (76%) felt their donations were really valuable to the community. Women were far more likely to agree (83%) versus (73%) of men. Those aged 35-44 were also most likely to agree with this statement at 82%. Only one in 20 people thought this was not true. Strongly disagree
2%
Disagree
4%
Neutral
15%
Agree
48%
Strongly agree
28% 13
Nicola Smart – Plan International Australia child sponsor
“When we were kids, mum and dad sat us down and said we could pick anywhere in the world to sponsor a child. We were looking at the statistics for each country, particularly the mortality and childbirth. I remember picking Burkina Faso because it was one of the worst places to be a woman. A few months later a letter arrived from my sponsor child. It was a really awesome moment. “I could see the change sponsorship made over time. At first my sponsor child said she wasn’t attending school because she had duties at home and then she sent me a letter a year later that said she was at school and really happy. There was even a little note at the bottom trying out the alphabet, which was so cute and it was a real ‘yes!’ moment for me. “Sponsorship really gave me a connection to another part of the world and it gave me something really special to show my friends. I love sponsoring. It’s just magical.”
Nicola Smart – Plan International Australia child sponsor
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Part 3: Understanding the barriers: why people don’t sponsor These questions were answered by those in the survey who indicated they have never sponsored a child and weren’t interested in sponsoring a child. Overwhelmingly, the number one reason why people choose not to sponsor is financial constraints, with three-quarters (70%) agreeing or strongly agreeing that plays a factor. A preference to focus on issues closer to home in Australia was also a common reason for not sponsoring a child as well as preferring to donate to other causes, particularly charities for animal welfare. Less than half (43%) said that they didn’t believe sponsorship was an effective way to help the developing world, and one in three (34%) said the responsibility of sponsoring a child was the reason they were not interested.
“I think the money should stay in Australia.” “I am on a pension and I am disabled. After medical expenses I have insufficient funds to sponsor a child.” “I want to donate my money to animal charities instead of sponsoring children.” “I currently support a number of chosen charities and these do not include sponsoring a child.” * Answers are from real child sponsors who took the Plan International Australia survey.
“I would never consider it, I have no interest in the welfare of people in these countries.”
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“It is not a good time for me financially.”
“I’m more concerned about what happens here in Australia.”
“I don’t want to align with a religious agenda.”
“I don’t think sponsorship is an effective way to help the developing world.”
This was overwhelmingly the top reason people gave for not sponsoring. Almost three-quarters agreed (70%). Strongly disagree
2%
Disagree
6%
Neutral
18%
Agree
27%
Strongly agree
43%
This was one of the more common answers. Almost two-thirds (63%) agreed, but again, many neither agreed nor disagreed. Strongly disagree
3%
Disagree
7%
Neutral
22%
Agree
28%
Strongly agree
35%
Although not all child sponsorship organisations are religious (Plan, for example), there were very high levels of agreement with this statement, at 55%. Only 13% disagreed. Strongly disagree
4%
Disagree
9%
Neutral
25%
Agree
25%
Strongly agree
29%
Many people who do not sponsor agreed with this statement (43%), however there was a high level of ambivalence with almost a third of respondents choosing the neutral option. Almost one in five (18%) disagreed. Strongly disagree
4%
Disagree
13%
Neutral
33%
Agree
23%
Strongly agree
19%
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“Sponsorship is too expensive.”
“Child sponsorship is too much responsibility.”
This was a divisive opinion. Half agreed (50%) and one in 10 disagreed (9%). A further one in three did not have a strong opinion either way. Strongly disagree
2%
Disagree
7%
Neutral
33%
Agree
26%
Strongly agree
24%
One in three respondents agreed or strongly agreed with this statement. Many sat on the fence at 34% and one in five disagreed. Strongly disagree
4%
Disagree
21%
Neutral
34%
Agree
22%
Strongly agree
12%
Boys from Nepal reading a Christmas card from a Plan International sponsor. 17
Responding to common misconceptions about child sponsorship 1
Sponsorship is too expensive. It costs $51 a month to sponsor a child through Plan in Australia, which is around the standard price for a child sponsorship organisation. This works out at less than $2 per day which is far less than the price of a cup of coffee. This modest contribution per day is able to create life changing outcomes for children in poverty. Sponsorship funds are used for a variety of benefits, including ensuring children have enough food to eat, clean water to drink and bathe in and proper sanitation, such as access to toilets and soap. The funds also go towards healthcare and education, so that children have the opportunity to go to school. This represents good value when you consider Plan International Australia uses sponsorship money wisely by grant-matching. This means that we amplify every dollar to maximise the return to communities.
2
The money does not reach the community. At Plan International Australia from each dollar raised on average 76 per cent is spent on programs that benefit children. Our aim every year is always to create the maximum impact we can for children in the community through the best stewardship of the funds we receive. In fact child sponsorship funding, along with other public money from appeals, enables us to generate further money by securing grants. These grants come from a range of sources including the Australian Government and the United Nations. This leveraging of grants using the publicly raised money as match is a powerful way of multiplying the benefit of sponsorship donations. During recent years Plan International Australia has been able to double the money it receives from private donations like sponsorship through leveraging grants. This means that child sponsorship supporters and Plan are in effect creating double the impact for children from donations. This is because in our programming we direct both the sponsorship funds and the grants funds into the communities of the sponsored child.
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A sponsor child from Nepal holding a letter from her sponsor.
3
Sponsorship is a way to push religion on to communities. The model of child sponsorship is different depending on which agency a person chooses to sponsor with. It is true that for some agencies, religious values are central to their work. However, Plan International is an agency that has absolutely no political or religious affiliations or agenda Plan has an ethos that children should realise their full potential, regardless of religious or political beliefs. That is why Plan does not and will never impose any kind of religious or political beliefs on sponsored children. Plan fully respects the cultural and religious diversity of the communities that we serve. To ensure these standards, Plan checks letters that sponsors write to children to ensure they do not contain political and religious comments that could cause offence to the child or their community.
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4
We should help Australians before we help others. At Plan International we work predominantly with children overseas. We’re very familiar with the argument that we need to help ourselves before we can help others. In Australia we aren’t immune to deepseeded issues of poverty, violence, abuse and discrimination. We absolutely must address these for a fair, just and thriving society. But we want a fair, just and thriving world. There are plenty of rational arguments as to why it’s feasible, in the interests of Australia’s national security and makes economic sense to invest in foreign aid. It is certainly in our best interests, but is that any more compelling than the fact that it is the right thing to do? We work with the world’s most vulnerable children, children living in poverty, children at risk of abuse, children who are being excluded and discriminated against, children affected by disasters, children who have been displaced by war. They need our help. Most of the vulnerable children on the planet don’t live here in Australia. The most vulnerable children in the world are largely invisible. Every single child, regardless of where they were born and where they are now, has the right to feel safe. Plan International Australia believes that helping at home or overseas is not an either or choice. We can do both in some way. In fact we must do both if the world is to be a better place for children
5
My sponsor child will suffer if I have to cancel. If, for some reason, a person needs to stop sponsoring their child, Plan International’s way of working ensures that no child will go without, he or she will be supported by existing programming in the community until they are re-sponsored by another person. We do understand that there are many reasons people end their sponsorship and we do our best to explain to their child why it’s happened. And we then make every effort to make sure that their sponsored child finds another sponsor who can join them and their community in their journey out of poverty.
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/planaustralia @PlanAustralia @plan_australia
13 75 26 plan.org.au Plan International Australia 18/60 City Road, Southbank VIC 3006 GPO Box 2818, Melbourne VIC 3001 Tel: 13 75 26 Fax: +61 (3) 9670 1130 Email: info@plan.org.au ABN 49 004 875 807
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