Sponsorship FAQs



How much does it cost to sponsor a child?
It costs $12 a month or $144 a year to sponsor a child.

What specific benefits will the child I sponsor receive?
Your child will be able to attend primary school for a year. School uniforms and supplies will be paid for. We also make sure the child receives medical attention or nutritional supplements, if it is needed. It's a way to ensure a child can stay in school and benefit from education. In addition, the child will be able to participate in monthly Activity Days, an experience in which they can feel like important contributors to village life.

Why choose the Action Africa Surround-a-Child sponsorship program?
Firstly we serve children in rural villages whereas many programs exist for urban areas.

Secondly we focus on children in sub-Saharan Africa. While we are aware they are in dire need, we also believe they are the key to their villages' and the region's future.

The Surround-a-Child Program ensures that a child gets a primary education by surrounding each one with support so that those problems that can diminish learning do not occur. Illness or lack of adequate nourishment are factors that can cause inattention, absence and even school dropout; consequently we supply medical and nutritional attention when needed.

The Surround-a-Child Program works in partnership with the local teacher's association representing all the village schools as well as village chiefs and elders and medical teams. They help determine which children are at risk of dropping out of school because of poverty factors, monitor the type of support needed and academic performance as well as interact with families.

We also work on helping build the self confidence of children who are accustomed to being marginalized so that they can see themselves as proactive contributors in the village. Action Africa Activity Days are one of the ways we bring this about.

What are Action Africa Activity Days?
Once a month all the sponsored children will come together to accomplish a task to benefit the village.

Children will be learning that they are special and can give back to the community-a shift from being needy to being needed. They participate in the African village model: it takes a village to raise a child. These activities heighten their knowledge that the village needs them: while they are recipients of support, they are also contributors of support to the village.

The task will be determined by the village Teacher's Association. For example: on the first Saturday of the month, children will gather at the market place at 10 am and work until 12 pm picking up trash. They will have lunch following that activity. Other activities include: health and fitness activities that children will pass on to their peers, arts and craft activities that will enliven a public place such as the school, helping elderly or infirm villagers.

Will I be the only person sponsoring the child I'm helping?
Yes. Although it may seem like quite a responsibility, it is a rare opportunity to directly let a child know he or she is valued and to be a conduit to the world outside of the village. A little bit of encouragement goes a long way to boosting self confidence. Your support of education is also a message to children that education is valuable as well as achievable.

May I send gifts to my child?
If you wish to send cards or a little extra money for birthday or holidays, please send them to Action Africa's address to facilitate delivery. Because of the costs and regulations of customs, we do not recommend you send them regular gifts.

How can I communicate with the child I sponsor?
We encourage you to write letters or send cards to your child. While a child's English may not be developed sufficiently to be able to write back to you, you cannot imagine how important your words of encouragement will be. During the year, you will receive other forms of communication such as drawings from them. Send your letters to Action Africa's address so we can ensure the children will receive them.

What other opportunities will I have to learn about the child I'm helping?
During the year, you will receive an updated photo of your child, a letter from your child's teacher and newsletters from the sponsorship director.

How does Action Africa ensure that my support actually benefits the child I sponsor?
There are several layers of monitoring in effect that ensure your child receives the benefits. The headmasters from all the schools meet jointly and regularly with Action Africa field staff to make decisions and report on children. Field staff make school visits monthly to see children. Progress reports are submitted to US headquarters quarterly on each child.

Are my contributions to Action Africa tax-deductible?
Yes, your sponsorship as well as other contributions to Action Africa are completely tax deductible.

Copyright: Action Africa Inc 2003 - 2005. All rights reserved.
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