Sponsor A Child FAQ
What is sponsorship?
When you look around your community or see the news you may get frustrated that there are so many needs in the world. You may say to yourself, “I am only one person. What can I do to make a difference?” You could give money to a thousand different successful charities, and never really know if you have done anything of significance.
Sponsoring a child gives you the opportunity to see the difference you are making. Sponsoring a child is a way to make a small contribution and a personal connection at the same time. You can see the positive effect your life is making in the life of another. Can you change the world by sponsoring one child? No, but you can change the world of one child. What more can we do? At Rehema we are realists - our work is just a drop in the bucket when held against the need. However, to the children God has placed in our care, there is no work more important.
Top of page
What specific benefits will the child I sponsor receive?
The child you sponsor receives comprehensive care. The tangibles; a house to live in, nourishing food, clean water, clothes, education, medical and dental care, lots of attention from the staff and a good quality of life based on Christian morals and values. The intangible is that Rehema works hard to create a Home versus an Institution, which means the children grow up in a safe, supportive and loving home environment.
Top of page
Am I the only person who sponsors this child?
Possibly. Because sponsorship covers comprehensive care, it costs us an average of $300 per month, per child to cover all their expenses. While we gladly welcome anyone who has the means to sponsor a child for $300 per month, we also want to provide the sponsorship opportunities to those who prefer to spend $30 per month. At that rate, we need 10 sponsors to comprehensively cover the life necessities of each child. There are both advantages and disadvantages to having a single sponsor for a child. In the end we feel that the result of each child having up to 10 different people supporting, praying, and committed to that child’s future far outweighs any disadvantage.
Top of page
Where does my money go?
Your money goes towards the programs and expenses associated with running the home, primarily: general operations (including food, water, clothes, toys, electricity, heat, plumbing, laundry, staffing, etc.); education expenses (including teachers for the Rehema school or tuition for off-site schools, books and supplies, uniforms, extra-curricular activities), and health related expenses (both routine checkups and vaccinations) as well as urgent care. A small portion, up to 20% or less, is used towards management, administrative, and fundraising expenses.
Top of page
How long does my sponsorship last?
Rehema is committed to the long term care of the children and their eventual integration into society as adults. Depending on the child, your sponsorship could last until they graduate from high school and develop a trade skill, start a job, or their graduation from university at age 22. It really depends on the child. We encourage sponsors to make long term commitments and depending on the bond established with the child, your friendship or mentorship could last a lifetime.
However, because all our children are orphans, there is always the hopeful possibility that they would be adopted. Should this happen, we would inform you of this immediately to give you the opportunity to write the child before he or she leaves. We know that you will become quite attached to your sponsored child; however you would also have the opportunity to move your financial sponsorship to another child at that point in time.
Top of page
What happens if I must discontinue my sponsorship?
Life happens, circumstances change, and we understand that. If you must discontinue your sponsorship please do so without guilt. We are grateful for every month you did provide a sponsorship, and we do not take it for granted.
All we ask is that you please let us know with a courtesy phone call, email, or letter. We can then respond quickly to find another sponsor, instead of supposing it’s just a missed payment.
Top of page
What do you tell the children about being sponsored?
We tell the children that there are people who live in another country who care for them and want them to succeed. We will let them know that there is an opportunity to communicate with their sponsor/ friend. They will be interested in you as well and may want to know how they can pray for you.
If a sponsor is no longer able to support the child, we will concentrate on the positives and let the child know that they now have an opportunity to make a new friend.
Top of page
Can I send gifts to my child?
Package gifts are discouraged because of high customs charges and the possibility of damage, loss or theft. You are welcome to send a specially designated monetary gift to your child for their birthday or Christmas. We take the children somewhere fun and out to dinner for their birthday treat. For both birthdays and Christmas we purchase gifts for all the children. 100% of the money designated for birthday or Christmas gifts goes to the child.
Top of page
How can I communicate with my child?
The best method to communicate with your child is to send a letter. The main language spoken at Rehema is English, therefore if you write in English your letter will not need to be translated.
Letters can be sent to:
Child’s Name/ Care of Rehema Home
P.O. Box 746
Village Market
Nairobi, Kenya
East Africa
For the safety of the children we discourage phone calls or email contact.
Top of page
Will I hear from my child?
Yes, the older children will write to their sponsors twice a year and will send a photo once a year. This is a great way for them to connect with you and for you to get a first-hand update about your child. You will see their personalities come out in their notes and how much they have changed through the pictures. We encourage you to keep a file with all the communications so you can look through it from time to time. You will have a better understanding of how to pray for them as you begin to recognize their interests, aspirations, and challenges.
For the children who are too young to write, twice a year we will send you an update letting you know how they are developing until they are old enough to communicate personally with you. You will also receive a new picture every year.
Top of page
Can I visit my child?
Absolutely! We would love for you to visit us at Rehema Home, and very much encourage you to visit your child. When planned in advance, visiting your sponsoredchild can be an amazing experience for you both.
To protect you and the children, unannounced visits are prohibited. We hope you understand that some restrictions on your visit will be necessary.
Please contact the US office if you would like to arrange a trip. We would be happy to assist you with your travel plans.
Top of page
Is my child HIV positive?
About half of the children at Rehema are HIV positive. Unfortunately HIV and AIDS still carry a stigma and therefore it is not our policy to give out the children’s health information. This is both for legal reasons and the privacy of the children. At the home we do not distinguish between the children who are positive and those who are not. All our children are treated equally regardless of their HIV status.
Top of page
About Rehema
Where is Rehema located?
Rehema is located in residential suburb on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. The 1/2 acre property is enclosed by a security fence like most homes in Nairobi, and features the main home with 5 separate bedrooms with bunk beds and attached bathrooms. There is a large living room area, a large dining area, kitchen, and a computer room. The property also has 6 classrooms, a laundry facility, a generator room and a luscious garden with a sandbox, jungle gym, slide and room for the children to run and play.
Top of page
What is Rehema's mission?
Rehema Home is dedicated to providing a loving, safe, caring, Christian environment for abandoned, orphaned children of Kenya with a special focus on children with HIV. We are committed to educating, inspiring and preparing each child to take their place in the Kenyan community upon adulthood.
Top of page
How many children do you support?
Our current facilities can take up to 60 children. At any given time we have 50-60 children in our care. Being close to maximum capacity, we are always looking for opportunities, large donations and grants to put toward purchasing or building new facilities which would help us to provide a home for additional children.
Top of page
What makes Rehema different from other childcare organizations?
There are many dedicated and successful organizations that “sponsor children”. If you currently sponsor a child through another organization, our hope is that you continue to remain true to your commitment. There are other ways you can get
involved with Rehema that would not mean abandoning a child you support through another organization.
If you do not currently sponsor a child, but are interested, we ask that you please consider Rehema. What makes us different is that we are a home. Our children do not have parents or extended family to provide a home for them. Many of our children were found abandoned, left to the Kenyan government, or left to die in the streets. Rehema stands between life and death for every child placed in our care. Our care is comprehensive, our commitment is unwavering, as is yours when you sponsor a child through Rehema.
Another difference about the Rehema children is that they have no parents, and many have no family at all, so your influence and communication with them is that much more meaningful.
Top of page
How can I partner with Rehema?
We are constantly looking for people, churches or organizations who could partner with Rehema. Perhaps you could host a dessert social at your house and allow us to talk to your friends and family about Rehema. You could organize a fundraiser, or assist us with a previously scheduled fundraiser. How about bringing a team from your church or community group to visit Rehema and assist with a building project? These are only a few ideas. Please give our US office a call, we would love to talk to you about partnering with Rehema in a way that best fits your passions, skills and abilities.
Top of page
Are there other ways I can contribute to Rehema?
We are always looking to expand our work and develop new facilities. If you would like to contribute towards a large capital project please contact the US Rehema office for a list of upcoming projects and other needs.
Top of page
Financial Integrity
What percentage of expenditures are spent on program expenses?
Our constitution states that no more than 20% of our budget should go towards administrative costs and fundraising. That means that 80% or more of every dollar is spent on direct care of the children or expansion projects.
Top of page
Can I see a copy of Rehema’s most recent audited financial statement?
Yes, please contact the US Rehema office for our most recent audited financial statements. We hire an independent auditor to ensure the integrity of our financial record keeping.
Top of page
Are my contributions to Rehema tax-deductible?
Rehema Home is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Your donations are tax deductible and you will receive a statement showing your total yearly contributions. Statements will be issued just after the end of each calendar year.
Top of page
|
