The majority of the children we strive to help through child sponsorship are suffering from poor nutrition and little to no medical care. Their young bodies, fueled primarily by a gruel mixture of rice, broth, and occasional greens are incapable of fending off the diseases all around them... parasites, hepatitis, tuberculosis, HIV, typhoid, and malaria.

Their drinking water is frequently whatever is available... rain water, stagnant retaining ponds, river water. In a country where sewage flows freely in the streets and rivers, their lack of fresh water increases their likelihood of death from disease.

Education opportunities are limited. Some children are fortunate enough to secure a government provided education, although they rarely advance beyond an elementary/primary grade level as they do not have funds to "contribute" to their teachers for advancement to the next level.

Without mothers or fathers, these children have extremely limited guidance and means of support. They rely heavily on other children for help and as a result end up in prostitution brothels or can be seen traversing the streets sniffing glue from bags to escape the misery of their young lives.

Those that survive their childhood face a dismal and uncertain future, finding themselves with no skills with which to earn a living, in a country with no social services, and without the support of a family to fall back on.

NCLO's child sponsorship program provides the basic necessities these children need to not only survive, but to thrive once they are adults. Proper nutrition, health care, supplemented education, and vocational skills help give them the foundation for a self-sufficient adulthood.

But even beyond that, having a sponsor broadens a child's view of their world. Suddenly, someone cares. They aren't alone. There is someone out there who is thinking of them. There is someone out there who cares.

And that can make a world of difference.

Click one of the links on the left to learn more or to begin sponsoring today!