Sponsoring a Child

Morning!

Several people have contacted me over the last week inquiring how to sponsor a child here at the school. Thank you!

First of all, here are some FAQs regarding sponsorship here at St. Anna:

Q. How much does it cost to sponsor a child?
A. Sponsoring a child costs KES2000 per month (this is approximately £17. I will find you the precise conversions in $ and €)

Q. What does the money go toward?
A. The money goes towards the child’s food, uniform, exercise books, stationery and exam registration

Q. What % if any goes to admin fees?
A. Approximately 16%

Q. Who / Where do I pay the money to?
A. If you are in the UK or Europe you can set-up a monthly direct debit (virement pour les français) for the correct amount to the schools charitable account in the UK. If you are in the USA a transfer would need to be established with the Consolidated Bank of Kenya

Q. How long does the sponsorship run?
A. The sponsorship period can vary. For example most of the US & UK sponsors we have continue supporting the child until he/she goes to University (if that is the path they choose). Some also continue sponsoring through University. However, in contrast our Swedish sponsors prefer to end their sponsorship when the child leaves college (before University), and begin again with another child at St. Anna.

Should you wish to go ahead and sponsor a child, here are the details / steps:

1) Send me a mail to mattadamsmith@hotmail.com with the following information:
a. Confirm your wish to become a sponsor
b. Indicate how many children you would like to support should you wish to sponsor more than 1
c. Whether you have a preference of the sex of the child (you may have a son or daughter of your own with whom you would like them to correspond)
2) Your request will be matched with the waiting list of children (please note that there is a waiting list and children move up the list in order irrespective of age).
3) The child’s guardian will then be contacted by us to inform them of the sponsorship
4) In parallel we will send you the details of the bank account to set-up the monthly transfer

What happens from there?

1) Children write to sponsors a minimum of 2x per term (6 times in the year)
2) Sponsors may write as often as they like
3) All letters are addressed to a country coordinator who sends them on in both directions. Experience has taught us that this is the best way for sponsors to avoid receiving many letters requesting “I’d like a bike”; “I’d like a watch”; “I’d like a Mr. Frosty” (ok so that last one is just me).
4) Sponsors may of course send gifts, but please ensure that all duty is paid. Sorry to be so categorical, but we have often had to pay a hefty customs bill when we’ve been to pick up parcels at the post office.

I trust this provides you with the information you require. But please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further questions. You can still reach me also on +33 680 33 40 65 for the next 2 weeks before my company cut me off!

Tugire chai (let’s go for tea)