Which NGO to sponsor a child in Afghanistan?

Tonight I heard a radio story about the terrible plight of children in Afghanistan and decided we'd like to sponsor a child there. But choosing an organisation to sponsor through isn't so easy. We don't want to use a religious affiliated organisation like World Vision, we prefer a non aligned charity but I don't know much about other organisations. Do you have any suggestions of a charity that is reputable and who do child sponsorship?

I've seen references to Child Fund Australia and Save the Children, does anyone sponsor through these organisations and would you recommend them or any other?

http://www.mahbobaspromise.org/sponsor-an-orphan.htm

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Why should I support Mahboba’s Promise and not some other charity?
Afghanistan has been torn apart for the last three decades and needs your help. We are the only independent Australian charity working in Afghanistan. We have the local knowledge of the languages, culture and needs of the people. Many other not-for-profit organizations have been forced to leave Afghanistan as it is the most dangerous country on earth for aid workers. Many promises have been made to the people of Afghanistan, it is important that we help to keep this one.

How is Mahboba’s Promise funded?
Entirely by voluntary donations. We do not receive any government funding. Sponsorship is the backbone of our funding as it enables us to plan work knowing that there will be future funds available. Most of the funds are raised through Mahboba’s ceaseless round of speaking engagements.

How do you control where the money goes in Afghanistan?
Funds are sent each month to Afghanistan where Mahboba’s Promise is a registered NGO. Financial reports are received back from the field and receipts are kept at the Hope House office for inspection.

How successful is the work?
A local worker from a UN agency said we were the most effective agency working in Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and other agencies are referring destitute orphans to us as the facility in Kabul which can give practical and emotional support to the most difficult of cases.

Is Mahboba's Promise a member of any peak body?
Mahboba's Promise is a signatory to the Code of Conduct of ACFID, The Australian Council for International Development and Mahboba's Promise NGO in Kabul is an observer member of ACBAR, The Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief.

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When I donated to Save the Children, you were not able to choose the child but the money went to a particular project or regional area I think... I too would be interested.

Thanks Onyx, I hadn't heard of her, I will investigate :)

I have been sponsoring a girl with child fund australia. I have been doing it since 2000 and can't remember if I got to chose the country or not but I know I got to choose boy or girl. I think they are wonderful. I receive progress reports every few months and letters from my sponsored child. Which ever way you go its a wonderful cause.

at the risk of causing a ruckus....

I do not support individual child sponsorship programs, but donate regularly to oxfam & MSF. I saw first hand some of the devisiveness of child sposorship on a community, and the "expensiveness" of these types of programs.

here are some interesting reads on the negative effects of child sponsorship.

Keynote -- New Internationalist

Simply... Why You Should Not Sponsor A Child -- New Internationalist