HOLD A HAND

I have found this organisation to be fantastic and very personal.

On their website I can log into my account and see what payments I have made and what my money has been spent on.

I pay $25USA per month and of this $15 is taken out for food and board at the orphanage and the rest is spent on items Maduka may need at any time.

Recently Maduka turned 12 and they took out money to buy her a birthday present from me (dress) and a birthday cake and drinks to share with the others at the orphanage.

It was Madukas first birthday party ever and she was thrilled, I received a letter from her saying how happy she was, and thanking me so much. I also received photos showing her cutting her cake and wearing the birthday outfit.

The liaison officer is based at the orphanage, and is an ex-resident, so emails are checked daily, translated and passed onto Maduka and same with her reply, so I can often have a reply to my email within 2 days.

Photos and emails are sent to me regularily, I have photos of the orphanage, the children, Maduka in her new clothes and showing the gifts I have sent her. The liaison officer will email as soon as a parcel or letter arrives to let me know.

If you are wanting to sponsor a child that you can have close contact with, I highly recommend this organization, they are fantastic.

OSI sponsor several orphanages in Sri Lanka and I have now taken up sponsorship with Nilanthi who is at a different one to Maduka.

Nilanthis is 16 and so far I have received one letter from her.

I am planning to meet both girls when I go over in February so hopefully this will help break the ice a little.

I still love this organisation and still sponsor both girls.  I visited in 2007 and met both of my girls along with all the other children and staff at both orphanages.

Nick is an amazing guy and is dedicated to helping all these children as are Anita, Sharmila (liason officers) and the staff at the orphanages.

I still receive regular photos of both girls and letters from them.