Child Sponsorship: a Research and Development Plan to Improve a Child Sponsorship Program in Mazatlan, Mexico

Abstract

As co-habitants on planet Earth with 7 billion others,1 Christians have an ethical obligation to be aware of their world (Luke 10:25-37). After coming to know of the extreme poverty of our nearest neighbors in Latin America, I believe it is necessary to do something about it. This qualitative research project seeks to understand the roots of poverty in Mazatlan, Mexico, and proposes how a successful child sponsorship program can be constructed and improved in the city. GO on the Mission (GO) is the organization associated with this research and their child sponsorship program. The sponsorship program was started in April 2010, and, while it has experienced growth, it is not as healthy or effective as it could be and thus has had high donor turnover. Research preceded observation. This research looked at the importance of missions and child sponsorship programs, determined the traits of effective children's ministry, explored Latin American culture and traditions, and uncovered leadership principles both home and abroad. After extensive study and investigation, observation was done to illuminate how the current system should best proceed. Five feeding centers in Mazatlan, Mexico, were studied as well as a local school and neighboring colonias. This examination lasted for a total of three weeks in the respective locations. After observations, interviews were conducted to unearth the current status of leaders in the feeding centers, current life change and effects on the sponsored children, and more seasoned missionary approaches in the city. These interviews were with leaders and children at the respective feeding centers and revealed the current realities of the program to determine how it can grow most effectively in the future. Children discussed how the program has affected their lives and their families. The leaders were asked about future growth and training and their personal involvement. The data collected helped determine the next steps for GO in their efforts to help heal the children of Mazatlan. The observations and interviews showed that leadership development was the most needed component and that the addition of job descriptions, job performance reviews, and leader training will drastically enhance the effectiveness of GO. The research has helped identify possible ulterior motives and common pitfalls in staff, illuminate how to effectively reach children and families, and bring understanding of cultural differences. Leaders having the opportunity to see other child sponsorship programs as well as having clear expectations will boost donor confidence, bring structure to the program, and create more stable environments for the children. All of the data collected in the research, observation, and interviews has helped determine the next steps for GO on the Mission in their efforts to create resilience in the children of Mazatlan, Mexico.