FAQ's

What do I have to do?

Just sign up to £20 or £40 per month! Nothing else.

What do I get?

Initially you will receive the information taken directly from your child's case file explaining their background. You will also receive a picture of the child, information on Sierra Leone and the area that your child is living. As progress is made with your child and their file is updated we will regularly forward this news onto you so that you are constantly appraised of their progress.

How much does it cost?

We ask for a minimum of £20 per month that's just 66p per day. This covers the costs of feeding your child two meals per day, basic medical care at the on-site clinic, and providing clothing. It also covers their school fees, books and uniforms.

What happens when my child no longer needs the help of Street Child?

This is a key question - because this is the goal we are striving to reach! We aim to have a child living in a safe, self-sufficient home and progressing well in education within 2 years of them joining us. At which point they 'graduate'. What will happen, is that upon graduation, we will set your sponsorship against a freshly registered child - and in exactly the same way as before, you will receive regular updates on their progress. However, beyond the 2 years we aim to stay in touch with and 'follow up' on all 'graduated' beneficiaries, so we will continue to give you annual updates on every child you have sponsored. So rather than 'losing' your first child, what happens is over time is that you have grow your own 'Street Child' family!

Will I hear from my child?

Not directly. All communications will come from the staff in Makeni Sierra Leone who are working on a daily basis directly with the children. We are concerned that the temptation for the child to make lots of requests (and possibly for you to feel obliged to meet them!) would be too great - and run contrary to our goal of promoting self-sufficiency as opposed to dependence.

Can I write to my child or send gifts?

Again, it sounds really boring, but alas no. It is unlikely that we will find direct sponsors for all our children and we are concerned about creating tension and jealousy. Further, letters and gifts can easily be misinterpreted by children and give them false hopes. If you would like to communicate with the project in Makeni or offer something more tangible then please contact SCoSL UK.

Can I visit my child?

'We run a visitor and volunteer scheme which allows supporters to visit our work in Sierra Leone and see all of our projects. For more info click here

Am I under obligation?

Not legally! And if you do ever stop, don't worry your child won't be thrown from the programme! But money will have to be found from somewhere else, or another donor found.

What are the admin costs of child sponsorship?

Almost zero. The info you received is based on the notes the team in the field already keep - and in the UK, the info will be processed by one of our Volunteer heroes!

Can my school/ church/ club/ organisation sponsor a child/ school/ project?

Yes! We think that would be great. Please contact SCOSL UK about the current possibilities.

How often will I hear about my child?

Typically about once a quarter. Though if you have a specific question at any time, we will do our very best to answer it.