Date of Graduation
Spring 5-21-2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in International and Development Economics (MSIDEC)
College/School
College of Arts and Sciences
Department/Program
Economics
First Advisor
Bruce Wydick
Abstract
Past research has found child sponsorship results in higher aspirations, mental health, and educational outcomes. In this research, I explore the extent to which these outcomes can be influenced by letters and gifts sent from the sponsor to the child. However, there is limited research on the effects of direct relationship between sponsor and child. Using 1142 sponsor letters and a 2017 survey from Compassion International, an international child sponsorship organization, we find that letters and gifts from sponsors have a statistically insignificant impact on outcomes including education, mental health, aspirations, social connectedness, nutrition, religiosity, hygiene, and views on drugs, sex, and alcohol. Although a larger sample would be able to provide more definitive conclusions, we can rule out moderate-sized effects with our current sample, an exception being that more encouraging letters appear to foster deeper spiritual outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Moua, Mai, "Do Letters and Gifts from International Sponsors affect Child Outcomes? Evidence from Colombia, Ghana, and Haiti" (2021). Master's Theses. 1379.
https://repository.usfca.edu/thes/1379
