In Reply to: gift suggestions for our sponsorchild posted by hannaroxymolly on Wednesday, 27. January 2010 at 06:51 Bali Time:
Hi. All the posters make valid points. Every sponsor assists in their own way for any number of reasons all of which are noble. We have sponsored the same Balinese family for more than ten years. We also sponsor a World Vision child in Cambodia. Whilst we have alot of interaction with our Balinese family, visits to their village, day trips to Waterbom Park,etc, paying of school fees, purchasing of big ticket household items and so on.We consider each other family and all the responsibilities that this accords. In contrast, our Cambodian child receives the usual monthly support but little actual interaction as they live in a very subsistence area where aid is more important than gifts and infact gifts are culturally frowned upon. The underlying rule of thumb is small gradual steps. Every child may have different circumstances. A simple respectful request to the parents or guardians if a small gift is acceptable will pave the way. Coloured pencils and textas , paper and such is a good starting point. School fees etc are at the other end of the spectrum and it may take time and trust.Have left email open if you need further info. Good luck and enjoy.
Paul