In accordance with the Zewo’s directives, Terre des Hommes Suisse does not offer individual sponsorship or direct contact with children. These sponsorships raise problems in terms of development policy and ethics, they have been the target of international criticism for years.
The personal relationships established through correspondences or visits often lead to false expectations and hopes, both for the children and the sponsors. Sponsors have no personal influence on the child’s development. They cannot take on responsibilities concerning his or her wellbeing. False ideas lead to disappointment, on both side, and noticeably interfere with the social balance. The relationship with the child is based solely on the sponsor’s whish. Children and families in great distress are used for publicity purposes.
For more information, please read the data sheet edited by Zewo (in French only).
