Sorry you feel that way.  When I travelled in Kenya  I saw the money being used, so I know most of it does go to the programs run by the organisation.  However, if in doubt, most organisations should be able to give you a break down of what percentage of your money goes where - I always look for the lowest percentage in administration.  For example, on the world vision website under FAQs it lists the percentages and you can download their annual report.  There are plenty of organisations who do sponsorship so you can shop around to find one that suits you. 

If you have family in Africa who can give money for you then that is great but many people don't have those connections, so this is a way they can help.

Thanks hun for this info. But id rather hand it to them personally through our family. Besides I cant afford to sponsor a child. Id love for one to come live here if i could. :( its sad

There is so much poverty in our own countries too that sometimes I wonder why people would help someone else on the other side of the world when it could be used just as badly here in some cases. I do contribute to save the children every month but I also do boystown and the smith family. If I didn't put money back into Australia I wouldn't be doing STC but it's nice to think that in a small amount I am helping Aussie kids and their families and the less fortunate in other parts of the world.

I would look into what you can do to help children and families in your country before going outside.