How to write to your Watoto sponsored individual :

1. Email : Please send your letter to uganda.sponsor@watoto.com with your sponsored individual’s full name included in the subject line.
2. Post : Please address your envelope to :

Watoto Child Care Ministries
Attn: Sponsorship Department
P.O. Box 26366
Kampala, Uganda

* Please include sponsor and sponsored individual’s full name on the envelope.

Helpful tips:

• Keep it short and simple. English is a second language for your sponsored member and your letter may need to be translated. This helps your sponsored member to be able to understand and respond.
• Be encouraging. The love of Jesus has transformed their lives and their circumstances. Your letter can reinforce this message of love to them. Encourage them in any milestone they may have mentioned to you.
• Talk about yourself and/or your family. Describe in general terms the area in which you live (no specifics please).
• Describe what you do for a living. This is especially interesting for older children and those in university.
• Share about your relationship with Jesus and prayer requests you may have.
• Allow your sponsored individual time to develop their writing skills. They love to receive your letters, but it can be very difficult for them to write back to you. If they are able, they will write their own letters. If not, they will receive assistance from a Watoto staff member, elder sibling, or teacher.
• If your sponsored child is in school, time is given during class to write letters. Sometimes this can give your letter a formal feel. As education is a privilege and very important, this is your child’s way of giving you the very best letter they are able.
• Wait to send your next letter until you receive a response you’re your sponsored member. This gives your sponsored member a chance to respond to your letter and ask you questions as well.

A few questions you can ask to get started:

• Ask about their class in school.
• Ask about what they are learning in school. – Ask about any upcoming holidays in their country and the significance of it.
• Ask for an explanation about their favorite sport if it’s one you are not familiar with.
• Ask about the household chores that they are responsible for and how they do them.

Please refrain from:

• Including your personal contact details anywhere on the letter.
• Elaborating on or asking about material possessions. This can you’re your sponsored individual feel deprived and uncomfortable.
• Suggesting your sponsored individual should come to visit you or live in your country.
• Asking about gifts they would like from you. This can place your sponsored individual in an awkward position.
• Using slang. This can be difficult for your sponsored individual to understand and translate (if needed).

Items you may include in your letter or card:

• ** A photo of you ** Photos of sponsors often decorate the walls of a Watoto home. Having a photo of their sponsor helps your sponsored individual with communication.
• Colorful postcards
• Construction paper
• Small hair bands
• Bookmarks
• Scripture cards
• Stickers

Items not to include:

• Food items: such as gum, suckers or hard candy
• Perishable items: such as seeds
• Crayons
• Markers
• Jewelry
• Any item that changes the shape of your envelope
• Money. All monetary donations and gifts should be sent to your regional Watoto office for security and proper receipting
• Gift Cards