Sponsor-Scholar Connection Program

Sponsors, you can now send a letter to your scholar at any time!

How Does the Program Work?

1. Write a letter to your scholar (writing in English is perfectly fine) and submit it using the form below. Feel free to upload a picture, if desired. 
2. VISEDAL staff in Managua will translate your letter and deliver it to your scholar.
3. VISEDAL staff will then collect and translate a return letter from your scholar, and send you the letter in an email.

FAQs

What should I write in my first letter to my scholar?

• Start out by introducing yourself and explaining that you are the scholar's sponsor.
• Ask basic questions, such as what he/she likes to do for fun, what his/her family is like, what his/her favorite class in school is, etc.
• Share information about your family, interests, etc. 
• Provide encouragement; for example, encourage your scholar to keep working hard in school or remind him/her that he/she is special and loved.
• Send a picture of you or your family, if desired.

Is there anything I should avoid writing about? 

• Please be mindful of the socioeconomic gap between you and your scholar. For example, discussing your recent international vacation or new car may be inappropriate.
• Please do not ask whether your scholar ever begged for money on the streets.

Can I include a picture?

• Yes! Just use the "Upload File" tool in the Letter Submission Form. 

When should I expect a return letter?

• It's hard to provide an exact time frame, but we will facilitate the penpal process as quickly as we can. 

Please contact Country Director Gema Bendaña (gema@visedal.org) with any additional questions.