Q1. How long does sponsorship last?
A1. The Primary education system in Kenya changed in 2023. Our school has 2 pre-school years then 6 primary years, then 3 Junior High School years so a total of 11 years. We support children who are around 4 years old who are starting at our school, so they will be aged around 15 when leaving this school. Pupils then go to Secondary schools for  3 years.

Q2. What happens if I can no longer sponsor the child?
A2. We understand that 11 years is a long time. Many changes can happen during that time. If you start to sponsor a child and are unable to continue, we guarantee that your child will not miss out. Ideally, we will find an alternative sponsor for the child. If we are unable to do so, the Charity will support the child using its general funds.

Q3. What happens after Primary  and Junior High School?
A3. At other schools, most children in Kenya cease their education after Primary  and Junior High School but bright children from rich parents will go to secondary school. Nearly all secondary schools in Kenya are boarding and the cost is around £31 per month for fees and board.

At the end of your sponsorship, it is up to you to decide whether you want to support your child at Secondary School. We will endeavour to find sponsors for all of the children from our school into secondary schools, either with the help of the sponsor or by using the Charity’s general funds.

Q4. Is a Primary and Junior High School education worthwhile without a Secondary education?
A4. Yes. There are many benefits from an education such as a reduced birth rate (almost 50% lower if the woman has at least a Primary education) or being able to fill in forms or read the dosage instructions on medicines.

Q5 .Can I choose a girl?
A5. Yes, or a boy for that matter.

Q6. Can I sponsor more than 1 child.
A6. Yes, and many sponsors do.

Q7. Can I support the child’s family as well as the child?
A7. The short answer is No and we don’t encourage it. You are already doing a lot by sponsoring the child to go to school. This is more support than you can imagine. Occasionally when times are hard like in a severe drought we will have a fundraising event for the community for food deliveries.

Q8. Will I receive letters from the child’s family asking for money?
A8. We do not divulge your contact details to anyone at the school.

Q9. What feed-back will I receive from the Charity and the child?
A9. The charity produces 2 newsletters per year detailing the progress on all its projects. In addition, you will receive feed-back on your child, photos and drawings/letters from the child. The older children will give you a good insight into Maasai life from their letters.

Q10. Can I send gifts?
A10. We discourage sending gifts to individuals:

• To avoid jealousy or children feeling left out.
• To keep what’s good in Maasai culture – they live happily with few possessions
• There is evidence that gift giving can create expectation.
• Suitcase space – more room for educational things for all and necessities like shoes.

Q11. What about a sending a gift at Christmas?
A11. The Maasai don’t give gifts other than distributing food or clothes at a church service to the needy.

Q12. Can I send letters and photos to my sponsor child?
A12. Yes, letters are welcome.  However due to printing costs we cannot print out photos . Letters are really appreciated by the child and their family.

Q13. When can I start to sponsor?
A13. At any time.  Normally, there are children awaiting sponsorship as children can come available at any time as sponsors drop out due to financial difficulties or, sadly, death or as new pupils join throughout the year.

We like to find sponsors for children of all our staff. This helps those children feel the same as the other sponsored pupils and the extra income helps sustain the school. It also is a huge incentive for us to retain our excellent staff.

For current availability please email Tracey Moore   (tracey.osiligi at yahoo.com)

Q14. How and when do I pay?
A14. Most sponsors set up a monthly standing order (£25 per month) or pay yearly (£300) by cheque or bank transfer. If you wish to pay yearly and you join part way through the year then you can pay to cover up until December then pay yearly

Q15. Does all my money go to the school?
A15. Yes. We aim to exactly match receipts from sponsors to money paid to the school. Sometimes, exchange rate changes may make the receipts slightly higher or lower than the amount paid. If there is a surplus, it is used to improve the school. The Charity is run by volunteers and the trustees pay all the running costs, so nothing is taken off your payments for costs.

If you have any more questions, please email Tracey Moore who will be glad to answer them.