Why should I sponsor a child?
You can help give a child hope right now and the chance for a better life. Ever since 1997, child sponsorship has been the lifeblood of our ministry. Sponsors like you make it possible for us to impact hundreds of kids every year. Just $30 a month provides an education and needs such as meals, medical care, and a school uniform for the sponsored child. Sponsored children have the chance to break free from poverty, illiteracy, and hopelessness. The chance to work toward a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Can I send a gift to my child?
No, however - we strongly encourage you to communicate with your sponsored child or staff member. When you log into your Donor Portal and view your sponsorship you can send a message to the child or staff member you sponsor. Our partners in each country will give your message to the student and help the student write a response. Communication with the student you sponsor helps them to know that you care about them and gives them hope. Our hope is that sponsoring a child is much more than sending money each month but that relationships can be built.
What should I write to them?
Write about your family, what you do, where you live, and your interests. When writing please be mindful of the culture and environment of your sponsored child. Please do not write about your possessions because your child lives in poverty and does not have many of the things we are used to having here. DO NOT include any personal contact information, such as your email address, phone number, or street address.
Can I send pictures to them?
You can attach photos to your message. Photos of you and your family, and even your pets, will be especially treasured.
Please be sensitive when choosing photos, as standards of clothing and modesty vary in other countries.
How do I log into my Donor Portal?
If you have been a sponsor for some time, you have already been added to the system. Click on the link below or the Log In button in the menu at the top of the page, enter your email address, leaving the password field blank, and click "Sign In." You will automatically receive an email with instructions on how to set up your password after clicking “Sign In”. The account was set up with the email address we have on file for you so if your email has changed please let us know!
If you are a new sponsor you can create an account when you select a student to sponsor. You may also follow the link below and enter your email address and click on the “Sign Up” button.
https://wwwservethechildrenm.reachapp.co/users/sign_in
What are the costs?
The cost of sponsoring a child is $30 per month or $360 per year.
The cost of sponsoring a teacher is $100 per month.
You can choose to help us pay the credit card processing fees which is 3.4% of the transaction. For a $30 monthly sponsorship the payment would be $31.02. When opting to add 3.4% to cover the transaction fees the added amount is not tax deductible but it is a huge help.
What are my funds used for?
Just $30 a month provides an education and needs such as meals, medical care, and a school uniform for the sponsored child. Also when you sponsor a child or a teacher, you help provide for all the operational expenses for our schools in Liberia, India, and Zambia, such as salaries, rent, supplies, building repairs, food and water. Your donation ensures that your sponsored child has a place in our school.
How long is my commitment to sponsor a child?
You are committed to sponsor your child (or teacher) for as long as you desire or are financially able to provide monthly support. A one year initial commitment is preferred. When you sponsor a child over an extended period of time, you can develop communication and a friendship with your child. This is a very rewarding experience for you and your sponsored child.
Sadly, many of our children come from extreme poverty and due to the transient nature of these families, a sponsored child may leave the school to move to a different town or go to work with their family in the fields. If this occurs, STC will notify you that your child is no longer in our program and will send you information about a different child from the same country.
How do I send sponsorship funds?
You can sign up to sponsor a child under the sponsorship section of our website and set up automatic payments. You can also send a check monthly, quarterly, or yearly for your sponsorship.
How else can I be involved with STC?
There are a lot of great ways to become involved in STC. You can become a volunteer at one of our many different fundraising events or in the STC office, become a church or school ambassador and help advocate on behalf of STC. You can also travel with STC to one of our sponsored countries on a mission trip. For information how, email info@servethechildren.com.