FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does child sponsorship work?
As a sponsor, you make a monthly financial contribution. Depending on the type of sponsorship you select, this money goes to:
a. Providing specifically for the child you nominate (food, education, clothing etc based on the level of sponsorship)
b. Contributing to basic needs for children at the centre (general provision of food , water, electricity etc)
c. Funding projects that are most needed for the centre (purchasing mosquito nets, cleaning products, cooking utensils etc)
Is sponsoring a child like adopting a child?
The short answer is - Absolutely not! Sponsors have no legal rights over the child whatsoever and cannnot interfere at all with the child’s upbringing and education, nor take the child out of their country. In the eyes of the child you sponsored (as in the eyes of Msamaria centre), you will still play an important part in their life. As well as helping them, your participation through letters and cards can inspire and encourage them. It's amazing how messages of hope can boost children’s self-esteem and motivate them to realise their potential.
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Who can sponsor a child?
Anyone who can afford the regular monthly donations can sponsor a child. There are no restrictions – old, young, married, single, groups, businesses, schools, classes, teams, associations etc., are all suitable sponsors.
Who should I contact to become a sponsor?
Please contact the Director – Folkward Mapunda – directly on info@msamariakids.org or call +255(0) 754 392 171 with any questions or if you wish to discuss. Alternatively feel free to complete the ‘Sponsorship contract’ available under the ‘donations’ page of this website.
How much does sponsorship cost?
This depends on what type of sponsorship you wish to provide. Some options you may consider are:
a)
b)
c)
2. Can I sponsor for less than the amounts outlined above?
How much of my sponsorship money reaches my child?
100% of your contribution goes directly to the children and the money is spent based on your preferred options (as per question 1). We are fully accountable to our sponsors and our annual report and accounts are available online.
How can I be sure that my money will be spent as you say?
Our annual report and accounts are independently audited and are available for you to view online. These reports include an income and expenses component that outline how all monies we receive has been spent. Additionally, as often as possible we will contact you individually with specific details and no doubt confirmation will also be gathered between your correspondence with your sponsored child.
Above all though, the children are our priority and our values, belief and good faith ensure we are honourable and do what we say.
Can I choose the child I sponsor?
Will I be the only person sponsoring that particular child?
What do I receive when I become a sponsor?
You will receive information about the centre and the child you are sponsoring (if relevant) in addition to:
- Letters and drawing from your child
- School results
- Season greetings
Plus any requests you have
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Does child sponsorship cause problems within the centre when some children are sponsored and others are not?
How often will I hear from my sponsored child?
As a sponsor you will generally receive about two letters and school results each year from the child you sponsor or - if the child hasnt learnt to write yet - someone writing on their behalf like a school teacher or guardian. Additionally, the children tend to love drawing pictures or writing you letters at other times of the year which we will send.
Can I write to my sponsored child?
Definitely! In fact we know the children love receiving correspondence and encourage you to write regularly. Many children find it easier to write back if they are already receiving letters but remember that some may have not learnt English or writing yet.
Can I send gifts to the child I sponsor?
Generally, yes. Please keep in mind, however, that if one child receives large or expensive gifts this can cause rivalry, jealousy or animosity between the children. We therefore suggest that gifts should be small and inexpensive.
Can I visit the child that I sponsor?
Yes. You can arrange to visit your sponsored child via contacting the Director – Folkward Mapunda - on info@msamariakids.org or call +255(0) 754 392 171. Please note that you will have to finance the trip yourself. We hope your visit will be a valuable and fulfilling event, where you will see the projects that you are helping to make possible through your sponsorship and see the difference the work is making to the children’s lives.
How do I pay?
The best way to get your contribution to us, is via direct deposit. Our details are:
BANK NAME: CRDB PLC
ACCOUNT NAME: MSAMARIA CENTER FOR STREET CHILDREN
A/C NUMBER: 01J1040908600
SWIFT CODE: CORUTZTZ
ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 1302