Sponsorship FAQs

Answers to some common questions about the sponsorship scheme.

Q. What is involved?

A. What we ask for is a commitment to give a fixed sum each month, preferably by standing order, which we will pass directly to the orphanage in Kenya, to be used to pay for school fees, uniform and other costs for your sponsored child. The amount you give is up to you, but we suggest £20.00 per month as an appropriate sum. This will cover school fees with a little left over for uniform items and other costs. Your sponsored child will be reliant on your contributions for his/her education. Obviously circumstances change, and you might one-day feel you would like to discontinue sponsorship. In this situation we would ask that you give us as much notice as possible, to enable us to find an alternative sponsor and avoid disrupting the child's education.

Q. What feedback will I get?

A. This is a small scheme, and as such runs at a very personal level. When you sponsor a child you will get a personal information sheet for your child and this will include the address of the orphanage, so that you can write to him/her directly. Normally the children's replies are sent to our UK office in batches to save on postage, and we forward them on. From time to time we will also send you a newsletter with information about life and events at the orphanages.

Q. How often should I write to my sponsored child?

A. It is entirely up to you. Some sponsors prefer not to write at all, others write once to introduce themselves and leave it at that, whilst some write two or three times per year. The more contact you have with your sponsored child, the more rewarding the relationship becomes.

Q. What should I write about?

A. Tell them about yourself, your family, your pets if you have any. Tell them a bit about your work or interests, and about life in Britain. Send a postcard, and write a few words about what is in the picture. The children love pictures, and if you send a photo of yourself or your family, it will become a treasured possession.

Q. Can I send gifts?

A. Please don't post parcels direct to Kenya: if Kenya customs can find an excuse to open a parcel then the orphanage is landed with a bill which often far exceeds the value of the contents. The postal system is also far from secure, and many parcels never actually arrive. The other potential problem is that special gifts for individual children may create distinctions and alienate the others. The safest way to send a gift is to send money through us. Your gift will then be used by the staff in Kenya to buy something appropriate for your child, or preferably (but at your discretion) for the benefit of the whole group.

Q. Can I visit my sponsored child?

A. Yes, if you are planning a holiday to Kenya let us know. We would love to show you the enormous difference that your generosity is making.

Q. Is there more that I can do to help?

A. Oh yes! If you would like to help in any way - organise fundraising events, find other people willing to sponsor children, or maybe make a donation towards the upkeep of the orphanages, please get in touch. Whatever help you can offer will be gratefully received.

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