Quiz: Separating truth from myth

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More people in the world have cell phones than toilets. Basic cell phones (not smartphones!) are usually cheaper in countries where we work compared to more developed countries. One reason is that many emerging countries skipped landlines and moved straight to mobile tech. Most sponsored families use pay-as-you-go services for phone calls and texting. Mobiles are especially handy for CI agency staff and volunteers who work directly with sponsored kids and families.

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Millions of teen girls in low- and middle-income countries give birth every year. According to the World Health Organization, family-planning education is not widely available through schools or government services in the areas where we work. But CI offers a comprehensive “ABC” strategy to educate youth about reproductive health topics, teaching teens to practice “Abstinence,” “be faithful” and “use a condom.” This model has been adapted from successful prevention programs that work well for adolescent populations.

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If a sponsored child marries or has a child, he or she doesn't have to leave the program. Providing support becomes even more important when youth face the real-life consequences of their actions. We encourage youth in these circumstances to stay in the program and gain the life skills and employability training that will be even more critical to ensuring their new families continue on the path out of poverty. 

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Sponsors’ monthly donations are not sent directly to families. Contributions are used to fund community center operations and staffing, medical and dental care, material benefits, education programs and our youth development programs. This model ensures we can provide consistent service to every child in our program. 

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Globally, nearly 80% of households have at least one TV. Many sponsored families own televisions and other small electronic appliances. While it is rare that they purchase a new TV, used televisions are commonly sold in the markets. It is an affordable and reliable form of entertainment, news and education.

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It’s true that 3/4 of the world’s poor lives in rural areas. But urban areas are growing substantially — the world’s population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. And the urban poor face different challenges than those in rural areas, such as overcrowding, unemployment and more crime and violence.

CI operates in both rural areas and large cities. We typically construct new community centers in more populated areas, however, to ensure we reach as many kids as possible.