GoAbroad

Connect Through Letters: Be a Pen Pal to a Child in Africa

by: Murphy charitable foundation Uganda

Add first reviewSince 2018

In Africa, there’s a saying: Sometimes a true friend means more than family. For countless children facing poverty, early marriage, limited access to education, and adult responsibilities as early as age 12, a kind word can make a lasting impact. The Pen Pal Program was created to bring hope through simple, heartfelt letters. By writing just once or twice a month, you can offer encouragement on topics like education, health, love, and resilience, messages that remind a child they matter and that their future holds promise. More than 5,000 children are currently waiting to hear from someone who cares. After you sign up, you’ll receive profiles by email and can choose a child to write to, based on your time and interests. If you’re interested, the program also offers orientation calls to help you get started and learn how to make the most of your participation. Whether you're a student, teacher, parent, retiree, or part of an organization, your words have the power to uplift. Join the Pen Pal Program and help a child rise above hardship toward a brighter, more hopeful future.

Program Highlights

Build a life-changing connection with a vulnerable child through heartfelt letters that inspire hope and encouragement across continents.

Make a real impact in just 20 minutes by writing once or twice a month to help reduce loneliness and boost confidence and education.

Choose who to write to with personalized child profiles sent by email, matching your interests and availability for a thoughtful connection.

Support education and well-being by writing about hygiene, school motivation, and preventing early marriage, offering gentle guidance.

Join a program open to everyone—whether you're a student, retiree, parent, or teacher—no experience needed, just a willingness to care.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Online
Starts At: No Program Costs
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Years
Age Requirement: 21+
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Childcare & Children
  • Community Development
  • Counseling
  • Economic Development
  • Education
  • English Teaching
  • Health Education
  • Orphans
  • Social Work
  • Teaching
  • Youth Development
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Brazilian
  • British
  • British Virgin Islander
  • Canadian
  • English
  • European
  • German
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Jamaican
  • Luxembourg
  • Mexican
  • New Caledonian
  • Portuguese
  • Saint Helenian
  • Scottish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
See all program details
Last Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Awards

Vetted OrganisationGreatNonprofits 2022 Top-Rated Award

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Online

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Childcare & Children
  • Community Development
  • Counseling
  • Economic Development
  • Education
  • English Teaching
  • Health Education
  • Orphans
  • Social Work
  • Teaching
  • Youth Development

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Years

Age Requirement

21+

Guidelines

Nationalities:
  • American
  • Australian
  • Brazilian
  • British
  • British Virgin Islander
  • Canadian
  • English
  • European
  • German
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Jamaican
  • Luxembourg
  • Mexican
  • New Caledonian
  • Portuguese
  • Saint Helenian
  • Scottish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican

This Program is also open to Couples, Families, Group

Starts At

No Program Costs

Program Cost Includes

  • Certificate of Completion
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the Pen Pal Program?

Anyone with a kind heart and a desire to uplift children can join, including individuals, families, students, teachers, churches, NGOs, companies, retirees, and more. No special skills are required, just compassion and commitment.

How much time does it take?

You can write a letter every two weeks or once a month, spending as little as 20–30 minutes per letter. Your consistency is what matters most.

How will I know which child to write to?

Once you sign up, we’ll send you child profiles by email, including their name, age, interests, and background, so you can choose a child that resonates with you.

What should I write about?

We encourage writing on topics like education, love, health, hygiene, self-worth, and life skills. You’ll also receive guidelines and sample letters to help get you started.

Can I communicate directly with the child?

All letters are reviewed and shared through the Murphy Charitable Foundation to ensure child protection and proper delivery. Direct communication (e.g., phone or social media) is not permitted.

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