How OneChild Responded to COVID-19

OneChild released emergency funds to help provide food and other necessities to the children in our program and their families during the global pandemic. 

For a glimpse of how children were served during this time, see this inspiring video and the stories below. You can help meet the urgent needs of kids in crisis with a gift to our Children’s Crisis Fund.

OneChild Global Health Q & A:

How did OneChild respond to the international COVID-19 pandemic?

OneChild had been preparing children and their families to prevent the spread of disease long before the COVID-19 outbreak began. Through our child development program, children have learned about the transmission of germs and have been taught the importance of hygiene practices like handwashing. They have also received medical checkups, nutritious food and supplements, and additional medical care when needed to help keep them healthy and better able to ward off illnesses.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, OneChild’s leaders created an emergency response team to monitor conditions in the countries where we work and to support the Child Champions serving the children there. The team closely communicated with our Country Directors who in turn worked with those at Hope Centers helping children and families.

A primary focus was ensuring that basic needs, such as food and medical care, were met. At the same time, Child Champions cared for the emotional and educational needs of children who were forced into a long period of relative isolation and home-based learning that most were not equipped for in their homes. The intervention of their Child Champions helped children continue to learn and to feel a sense of security during this very difficult time. Home-based programs were developed that benefited not only the children in our program, but their parents and siblings as well.

Did Hope Centers remain open?

Most countries where we work put temporary “lockdowns” in place similar to those in many parts of the United States. As a result, most of our Hope Centers had to temporarily suspend gathering. Child Champions visited children and their families at home to distribute supplies and health information. In areas where movement was even more restricted, Child Champions found innovative ways to stay in regular contact with our children and their families.

Read how two inspiring girls brought hope to their neighborhood during the pandemic.

Have any children fallen ill?

We had very few cases of children diagnosed with COVID-19, and no deaths among the children in our program. We praise God for this! Please join us in praying for His continued protection and provision for all our kids and Child Champions.

How were families affected?

Families in poverty faced severe risk of malnutrition due to COVID-19. Parents who depend on daily work just to buy food could not meet basic needs during government-mandated lockdowns. Child Champions rallied to get food relief to the families in crisis. Gifts to the Children’s Crisis Fund  helped fight child hunger and bring relief to our kids and their families who urgently needed help.

Read about how Child Champions brought hope to families during the hardest times. 

How would I know if my child was impacted?

If your child was directly impacted by this virus, you would have been personally contacted by our staff.

How were my donations/sponsorship funds used to help children during this outbreak?

In vital ways! The OneChild program was more important than ever to children and their families during the crisis. Even when our Hope Centers were forced to temporarily suspend gatherings, Child Champions were checking on the children and their families at home. Depending on the needs in their area, they provided food packages and sanitizer, brought lessons to the children, and health and hygiene information for the whole family. Country Directors remained in close touch with Hope Center directors and Program Facilitators to monitor needs and concerns among the children we serve.

This all provided the kids in our program with a level of protection and security that children living in poverty seldom have. They were not lost or overlooked but were loved and supported by the reassuring presence of their Child Champions.

Could I still send letters and cards to my child?

Yes! While disruption to global delivery systems due to COVID-19 meant letters took a little longer to reach the kids, and their responses were slower, it was still a great time to write to your sponsored child. Receiving a letter from you as soon as delivery was possible was an enormous joy for your child at a time when he or she needed it most. Imagine the excitement when one of the first things delivered was a message of hope from you!

Did other countries have restrictions on public gatherings as we did in the U.S.?

A number of countries placed restrictions on large gatherings and many closed schools as well.

Did OneChild offices stay open?

Field offices remained operational, though in some areas staff members worked remotely from home to comply with government directives. They all continued to provide care for the children we serve.

At our Colorado headquarters we remained operating and available for our Sponsors and Donors throughout the pandemic. When local health guidelines permitted, staff returned to work in the office.

How can I communicate with OneChild?

You can reach us at:

[email protected] (with general questions)
[email protected] (with sponsorship questions)
By phone at 800.864.0200 (M-Th: 7am-5pm, F: 8am-12pm, MT)
By mail at: P.O. Box 62600, Colorado Springs, CO 80962

What if I can’t afford to continue my sponsorship?

Your sponsorship is significant to your child beyond the monthly support you provide, so, if needed, our staff can offer suggestions regarding short-term financial limitations or alternate donation possibilities.

We want to do all that we can to ensure your special relationship with your sponsored child continues at a time when your child most needs a sense of stability. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at 800.864.0200 or [email protected].

Thanks to the faithful support of our sponsors and donors, our children have been taught personal hygiene and disease prevention — such as the transmission of germs and proper hand washing. Their parents have also received training in disease prevention, treatment, and how to effectively care for sick family members.

In addition, all of our country offices have medical personnel available, and many have physicians on staff. Our Hope Center staff is also trained to help prevent and identify illnesses, facilitate care, and secure medicine and medical help when needed.

Please continue to pray for our children, their families, and the Child Champions committed to helping them thrive. The help of our global community is crucial — especially during times of crisis.