Encourage youth living in poverty

write a letter to A YOUNG PERSON IN NEED

Individuals living in poverty need encouragement and support. This is especially true for young people who are taking positive steps to improve their lives. By writing a letter, you are letting them know someone cares and is wishing them all the best. Youth who receive these letters have told us how motivating they can be, boosting their self-esteem and morale, and helping them to feel part of a greater global community.

Many of these letters will be used in ESL (English as a Second Language) courses and shared through our Into Employment® program. If you’re not sure what to write, check out these letter writing tips. (Please be aware that letter delivery may take several weeks, and as a result, we recommend not referencing specific points in time like holidays or events in your letter.)

NOTE: If you are a current sponsor and want to write a letter to your child, please log in to MyCI and go to the Message Center.

Fill out my online form.
Prefer pen and paper?

Print this template and write your message. Download PDF

Mail to:
2000 E. Red Bridge Rd,
Kansas City, MO 64131

a piece of paper with a pen and a heart drawn on it

CURRENT SPONSORS: You must log in to MyCI to write to your sponsored child. Letters from this page won’t be delivered to your specific child.

Not sure what to write?

Use simple, clear and positive language. (And please try to use correct punctuation, spelling and grammar, since these may be used to help young people learn how to read, speak and write English!) While it is okay to acknowledge poverty-related challenges these youth may be facing, we want to emphasize being uplifting and motivational.

  • Keep learning and keep growing: Mention the value of education & continuous learning
  • Celebrate small wins: Emphasize the importance of recognizing progress in small steps
  • Give back to their community: Highlight how we all have skills that can uplift others and improve communities
  • Believe in themselves: Remain positive and confident by reflecting on how far they’ve already come
  • Continue dreaming big: Write how dreams, combined with opportunity and dedication, shape our future
  • Never give up hope: Remind them they are not alone and maybe share a story about a challenge you overcame or an inspirational quote from below.

Inspirational quotes

  • "Strength does not come from winning. You develop it when you struggle. When you decide to not give up, even when things are not going your way." - Mahatma Gandhi
  • "Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th." - Anonymous
  • “The world is changed by people who are willing to take action to make it better.” – William Faulkner, Novelist & Nobel Laureate
  • “One part at a time, one day at a time, we can accomplish any goal we set for ourselves.” – Karen Casey, Author
  • “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe, Tennis Legend
  • "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
  • “You must do the things you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
  • “One of the secrets to life is to make steppingstones out of stumbling blocks.” – Jack Penn, Surgeon/Sculptor/Author
  • "The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me." – Ayn Rand, Author
Yimy
Dominican Republic

Yimy was malnourished and unwell when he began participating in Children International programs at age 9, but access to free medical services quickly improved his health. As a young adult, he gained invaluable skills through programs like tutoring, financial literacy, and emotional well-being, preparing him to break free from poverty. Thanks to monthly support and the Into Employment program, Yimy is now confident, employed, and eager to pursue a career in technology.

a young boy smiling to the camera

LEARN MORE ABOUT INTO EMPLOYMENT

Jennifer
Ecuador

Jennifer first began her journey with Children International when she was just 4 years old. Upon graduation from the Into Employment program, she got her first formal job with an insurance broker in her community. Jennifer was recently promoted to a managerial position thanks to her work experience, perseverance and the skills she learned through our programs.

a young woman smiling to the camera

INTO EMPLOYMENT, JENNIFER'S SUCCESS

Loreen
the Philippines

“I am one of the living testimonies of the success of Children International into producing successful individuals with life skills.”

Loreen began participating in our programs from a young age, helping her develop the confidence and capability to transform her life. Thanks to a scholarship made available to her via Into Employment®, she now works as a teacher, inspiring and empowering her students with her own life story of determination and achievement.

a young girl sitting on a desk

LOREEN'S INSPIRING JOURNEY

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