In "About Schmidt", who is Warren's foster child?

In “About Schmidt,” Warren’s foster child is Ndugu. After retiring from his insurance career, Warren sponsors a Tanzanian boy through Childreach, an international child-support program.

Warren begins writing letters to Ndugu as a way to record his frustrations, regrets, and loneliness. The letters become an unseen conversation: Ndugu cannot initially read or answer them, but Warren still treats the child as an important audience.

Ndugu is six years old and lives in Tanzania. Near the end of the film, a nun writes that Ndugu appreciates Warren’s letters and financial support. She also sends a crayon drawing of Ndugu and Warren holding hands, which deeply moves Warren.

A common mix-up is confusing Ndugu with Warren’s adult daughter, Jeannie. Jeannie is Warren’s biological child, while Ndugu is the boy he sponsors from afar. The film uses this relationship to show Warren gradually finding a sense of connection and purpose.