"I Want to Sponsor an Orphan, Please!"

Many people think that supporting orphans is what is most needed. However, in many cases we find that the orphans we care for are better off than the other children. In Indian culture, children are expected to care for their parents. The orphans can be educated and really get on with their lives, while the other children are often burdened down with sick, elderly or just plain poverty-stricken parents who expect to be supported the minute their children begin earning money. Salaries in India are based on years of service, and those working their first job earn very little. Young people have told us how relatives turn up on their doorstep or at their place of work every payday demanding or even crying for money. Sometimes these are relatives the young person did not even know they had!

"Thank you, sponsors!"

Talented young people may be forced out of school to marry some illiterate village girl or boy and spend the rest of their lives as field coolies. If their parents die leaving a debt as their inheritance, the young person may even become a bonded coolie. This is basic slavery, though, of course, it is not called that. To give a child literacy is something that cannot be calculated as to its value, even if they are unable to complete a course of study.

We have to try to see the whole picture. There are thousands of children belonging to low-paid workers whose salary is not enough to even put food in their mouths. It is tragic when these people cannot send their children to school. In some parts where there are tribal people there is almost no cash—these people still live by the barter system.

In summary, even though a child has parents, their circumstances may put them in a more desperate situation than an orphan in Asian Aid's care, and therefore are very deserving of sponsorship.

What Your Monthly Dollars Will Do

Nepalese Street Kids

As a Sponsor of a needy child, arranged through Asian Aid USA, you can provide the basic necessities of life as well as an education. Many families in some of the poorer developing countries attempt to support their families on less than the equivalent of US$15 to $20 per month.

The suggested sponsorship dollar amounts, below, are minimal values, subject to the normal pressures of international monetary exchange rates, inflation, devaluation, and increased costs at the local level in the particular country to which funds are sent.

Here's what a few of your non-tithe dollars each month can do in countries where Asian Aid USA works:

Note: Sponsorships for certain programs and institutions at the post-high school level may require higher levels of financial support. Specific amounts needed for these students are available by contacting the AA-USA office.

How Much of Your Donation Reaches the Needy?

A very high percentage of money donated through Asian Aid USA is forwarded to the country and put toward funding the children or other projects for which it was received. Currently US$1.50 per child per month is used for project administration within India. Every effort is made to minimize administrative and operating expenses so that the monies provided for sponsored children will be sufficient to meet their continuing needs. Funds specifically designated for administrative and daily operating expenses of Asian Aid USA are also needed, and appreciated.

Annual, external audits are conducted to verify that financial procedures conform to the requirements of the United States government.

Children like these have little hope unless sponsored by people who care
"Hello. This is my home!"	City Children who beg to live!