Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact us.
- Which children does SSF help?
- How are child sponsorship funds used?
- Do I have to donate each month to sponsor a child?
- Are sponsorship contributions tax-deductible?
- Can I monitor my child's progress?
- Can I write to my child?
- Can I visit my child?
- How long does sponsorship last?
- Can a group sponsor a child?
SSF development programs respond to the stated needs of children and their communities. The sponsorship program enables SSF and community groups to select the children and families most in need of assistance.
SSF staffed with highly qualified local people, periodically evaluate the programs, double check family circumstances and offer guidance and training to local volunteers in the communities. The emphasis is on providing self-help and opportunities to communities, while also nurturing the health and nutrition of children, as well as improving the skills that will equip them for happy and productive adult lives.
How are child sponsorship funds used?
Sponsorship contributions are combined to help meet the individual and group needs of all children in the program. Combining sponsorship funds means large scale projects can be undertaken by SSF, which will benefit your sponsored child, as well as other children in the community. These include the installation of water systems, comprehensive immunization programs, nutrition and livelihood initiatives.
Sponsorship contributions help provide food, healthcare, safe drinking water, education and income generation skills to a child, family and their community. In addition, the sponsored child benefits from being able to develop a personal relationship with a distant friend who genuinely cares.
Do I have to donate each month to sponsor a child?
It is not possible to meet the needs of a sponsored child and their community without sponsoring monthly. However, you can share the sponsorship with a friend or set up a group sponsorship.
Are sponsorship contributions tax-deductible?
It is impossible to do so at the moment but sooner we will enable the sponsorship contributions over $2 are tax-deductible and GST free. You will receive an annual contribution summary each August for taxation purposes. Gifts - for birthdays, Christmas etc - are not tax-deductible.
Can I monitor my child's progress?
SSF's child Protection programme will send you an annual progress report and an update on the program's activities. These will provide you with detailed information about your sponsored child's development, living circumstances and educational progress.
Your personal correspondence will also give you an idea of your sponsored child's hobbies, interests, schoolwork and dreams for the future.
If you would like additional information about your sponsored child, please write to us and we will answer your questions in as much detail as possible.
Writing letters not only strengthens your relationship with your sponsored child and their family, but also keeps you in closer touch with their progress.
You should allow 16-20 weeks, occasionally longer, for a complete exchange of letters. This allows for translation and transportation to and from the project, which may be in an extremely remote area.
Please be patient and remember your child may never have written or received a letter before.
SSF can arrange for you to meet your sponsored child and family in their village. Please contact us two months ahead of your departure date so arrangements can be made and a police check conducted.
We will accompany you during your visit. You will be required to pay any expenses incurred by yourself, your sponsored child and SSF as part of the visit.
How long does sponsorship last?
Most children will be sponsored until they are 18 years old, however many continue with secondary school or tertiary studies and will remain on the program until they have completed their education and are able to support themselves.
SSF seeks to help families and communities become self-reliant by developing the ability to provide for their own children. Often children and entire communities 'graduate' from a program - this program represents tremendous progress for the child and family, as it means they have taken control of their own future.
Children may also leave the program at any time during sponsorship if their family moves to improve their economic situation; the child changes school or the family situation improves so significantly they no longer require help. If your sponsored child leaves the SSF program, we will notify you as soon as possible.
We understand financial circumstances change for sponsors as well, so we ask sponsors to contact us immediately if they cannot continue their support.
Many SSF sponsors are community groups, businesses, organizations and schools.
However, to avoid confusion, we recommend there be a designated contact person, particularly when communicating with your sponsored child. When writing letters we recommend one person write all letters to avoid confusing the child and to keep translation costs down.