Visit Your Sponsored Child
Make Memories to Last a Lifetime
An Incredibly Rewarding Experience
As a sponsor, you have the opportunity to visit your sponsored child and witness firsthand how your support is transforming their life. This experience allows you to build a deeper connection with your sponsored child and their family. Many sponsors describe their visits as emotional, rewarding, and life-changing.
"It was a very beautiful and emotional experience to meet the child, his grandmother, and his extended family."
โ S. Kaur (Child Sponsor)
Planning a Visit
If you would like to visit your sponsored child, follow these steps to schedule your trip:
- Log in to your SAF International donor account and click the "Child Visit" tab in the menu.
- Complete the visit request form available on that page.
- Review the visitor guidelines to familiarize yourself with the rules and expectations.
- If youโre unsure about what to say during the visit, weโve also included conversation starters to help make the experience more comfortable.
- Submit the visit request form at least 6 weeks before your planned trip to allow time for processing and scheduling.
๐น Need Help? If you require assistance in completing the form, please email support@safinternational.org.
๐ Quick Access Links:
Once Your Visit Is Approved
- Once your visit request is approved, you will be responsible for arranging and funding your own travel and accommodation to and from the SAF International India field office.
- SAF International India Team will coordinate and cover travel costs from the field office to the child's residence. In some cases, alternative arrangements can be made for the convenience of both parties.
- A member of the SAF International team in India will accompany you throughout the visit.
- A staff member will take photos during your visit, which will be emailed to you once you return home.
Visitor Guidelines
To ensure a smooth and meaningful visit, please follow our visitor guidelines. These guidelines cover:
โ Appropriate clothing for your visit.
โ Gift-giving policies (all gifts must be pre-approved by SAF staff).
โ Cultural expectations and respectful interactions.
โ Safety measures for both visitors and the sponsored child.
Before You Go
Before your visit, please:
โ Confirm all travel arrangements and notify SAF International of any changes.
โ Review our guidelines carefully to ensure you understand the expectations for the visit.
โ Notify SAF International if you plan to bring gifts, ensuring they comply with our gift policy.
During Your Trip
Meeting your sponsored child is an exciting experience, but itโs normal to feel a bit nervous. If youโre unsure how to start the conversation, donโt worry! Weโve prepared conversation starters to help break the ice and make everyone feel comfortable.
Your visit will be guided by SAF International staff to ensure a smooth experience, allowing you to spend quality time with your sponsored child while respecting cultural norms and family preferences.
After Your Visit
- After your visit, a SAF International staff member will send you photos and videos from your trip. These moments are yours to save, and youโre welcome to share them on social media.
- If you share your experience online, a brief mention of SAF International would be greatly appreciated.
Cancelling or Rescheduling Your Visit
If you need to cancel your visit for any reason, please inform us as soon as possible by:
๐ง Emailing office@safinternational.org
๐ Calling us at 604-572-5577
Rescheduling Your Visit
If you need to change your visit dates:
- Cancel your original request by notifying us.
- Submit a new visit request form with your updated dates and flight details.
Child Visit FAQ
1. How Many Times Can I Visit My Sponsored Child?
To ensure smooth coordination and avoid overwhelming the children, sponsors are limited to one visit per year.
2. How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?
We aim to approve visit requests within one month of receiving the application. Since we require proof of ID and other documentation, we recommend submitting your request at least 6-8 weeks before your trip.
3. Will I Be Able to Get A Picture with My Sponsored Child?
Yes! A member of our team will accompany you during the visit and take high-quality pictures, which will be emailed to you after your trip. If you share them online, a mention of SAF International would be greatly appreciated.
Final Thoughts
Visiting your sponsored child is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that deepens your connection and allows you to witness the real impact of your support. We are here to guide you through every step, so if you have any questions, please reach out!
๐ง For visit-related inquiries, contact: support@safinternational.org
๐ง For cancellations/rescheduling, contact: office@safinternational.org
๐ Call us at: 604-572-5577
We look forward to making your visit a memorable and meaningful experience!
SAF International