Browse Primary Sources
I-G - Miracle Merchants: "Many Can Take a Bow in Developing Nations" - Mike Dorning - Chicago Tribune
". . .When the Tribune asked the organizations to support claims of having a global impact on child survival, education and longevity, they offered anecdotal accounts of improving vaccination rates, increasing the use of contraception and improving nutrition at the community level.They could not provide evidence that conditions in countries where the sponsorship groups are working have improved much more than in other countries. . ."
The Chicago Tribune 1998-03-15
Reaction-"Children's Charities to Improve Monitoring New Rules Designed to Make Sure Funds are Used as Advertised" - Mike Dorning - Chicago Tribune
". . .The Tribune's yearlong examination of four leading sponsorship organizations--Save the Children, the Christian Children's Fund, Childreach and Children International--found that several children sponsored by Tribune reporters and editors received few or no promised benefits. A few others received a hodgepodge of occasional handouts, such as toothpaste, soap and cooking pots. Some got clothing and shoes that frequently did not fit. Sick children were sometimes given checkups and medicine, but not always. . ."
The Chicago Tribune 1998-12-13
Reaction-"Save the Children Reacts to Probe, Plans Reform" - Lisa Anderson - Chicago Tribune
". . .In the wake of the Tribune's investigation, Save the Children has begun a number of changes in its operations.For the first time, deaths of sponsored children must be reported to the Westport headquarters and to the sponsor within two days after Save the Children personnel learn of the death, a spokesman for the organization said. . ."
The Chicago Tribune 1998-03-18
I-F - Miracle Merchants: "Myth VS. Reality in Africa" - Hugh Dellios and Lisa Anderson - Chicago Tribune
"The Tribune's sponsored children in Africa did not fit the streotypes or even understanding the concept of being sponsored. For these two boys, the images presented to their sponsors didn't match the reality of their lives. Sponsored? News to him. Salvador Nhabangua does more than teach lessons in the crowded, open-air classrooms of the village school in Zongoene, Mozambique. He writes letters to America.Flashing a broad smile, the 44-year-old teacher cheerfully admits he composes most of the letters that purport to come from children in his classroom, who are among the 216 sponsored through Save the Children Federation Inc. in this farming community overlooking the Limpopo River. Nhabangua takes pride in the task. Unfortunately, he doesn't always take the time to discuss the letters with the children before he writes them. He says that an SCF staffer pays him $5 to $10 a month on an informal basis to write the notes. . ."
The Chicago Tribune 1998-03-15
II-Miracle Merchants: Precede: "About This Special Report" - Unsigned - Chicago Tribune
"Work on this project began in 1995 when a group of Chicago Tribune reporters and editors initially sponsored 12 children through four of the largest and best-known child sponsorship organizations--Save the Children Federation Inc.; the Christian Children's Fund; Children International; and Childreach."Over the next two years, the individuals sent monthly or annual donations to the children who were randomly selected by the organizations. Tribune reporters and editors didn't request specific children, although some said they preferred children on certain continents in order to research a wide spectrum of charity work. They identified themselves by name but not by their affiliation to the Tribune. The charities didn't ask for information about employment or occupation in donor applications.
The Chicago Tribune 1998-03-22
I-Miracle Merchants: "At Times, I've Wanted to Turn It Off Too" - Graeme Zielinski and David Jackson - Chicago Tribune
"The pitch for sponsors. They are known as "flies-in-the-eyes" commercials. They feature the wrenching images of starving children, their bellies bowed and faces speckled with insects. They tear at your heart . . ."
The Chicago Tribune 1998-03-15