Frequently Asked Questions
about Child Sponsorship
LIST OF QUESTIONS
1. Does my sponsorship donation go toward my specific child, or to the general fund?
2. May I choose which child sponsor?
3. How can I communicate with my child?
4. May I bring or send packages or gifts?
5. How important is prayer in the sponsorship relationship?
6. Will I be the only person sponsoring my child?
7. How much of my donation goes directly to the holistic needs of children
8. What information about my child’s progress will I receive?
9. What if something happens and my child no longer attends AFE?
10. How do I make my monthly contribution?
11. Is my gift tax-deductible?
12. How long does my child sponsorship last?
1. Does my sponsorship donation go toward my specific child, or to the general fund?
Like most sponsorship programs, your donation is added to a program fund which allows one child to experience the blessings of holistic development found at AFE. Your child directly benefits from your donation by receiving: nutritious meals (a breakfast snack and a balanced lunch), shoes, clothing and holiday celebrations not provided in their home, Christian mentorship and formation, participation in afterschool activities (if they choose), and financial help if their family should falls into crisis. Your specific connection with your child can be through prayer and communication (through email), and perhaps the opportunity to visit your child on a mission trip.
2. May I choose which child to sponsor?
Some children need sponsors more than others. Allowing AFE to choose the child in need helps our overall goal of rescuing children from the garbage dump.
3. How can I communicate with my child?
You can email afehonduras@gmail.com. A volunteer will translate your email and facilitate communication with your child.
4. May I bring or send packages or gifts?
We discourage sponsors from giving individual gifts to their child. The reason for this is twofold. (1) We do not want other children to feel left out when they do not receive a gift (2) We do not want to teach the children habits of dependence by relying on foreigners to give to them. Our hope is that AFE´s students would learn that working hard pays its own dividends and not to seek international friendships simply for the purpose of receiving gifts.
5. How important is prayer in the sponsorship relationship?
Prayer is crucial to a student´s success at AFE and in life. Every child from the dump grows up with a legion of negative forces pulling them away from God´s best. When students do experience success, they recognize God´s contribution because they know that many people are praying for them.
6. Will I be the only person sponsoring my child?
Yes. Although several organizations help promote sponsorship at AFE, the program is managed and organized at AFE and there is only one sponsor (or sponsor family) per child.
7. How much of my donation goes directly to the holistic needs of children at AFE?
100% of your donation goes directly to the needs of children at AFE. The small cost of credit card transaction fees and transfer fees are paid through other donations. If you give thorugh one of AFE´s partner organizations listed on our website, these organizations do not take a cut of your sponsorship donation. They cover any costs of sending the money themselves.
8. What information about my child’s progress will I receive?
After you have received an emailed description and picture of your child, you will not receive another report specfically about your child unless you renew your committment for another year. However, you will receive quarterly updates about AFE´s progress in its efforts to rescue all children from the garbage dump and a “thank you” gift from your child in December.
9. What if something happens and my child no longer attends AFE?
Unfortunately, sometimes AFE´s children choose to drop out of school. We do everything in our power to keep kids in school. We meet with their families, apply government pressure if the parents pull them out, and search fervently for the children if they run away from home. But sometimes, there is nothing that AFE can do if parents or guardians are supporting their child´s decision to end their time at AFE. If you child discontinues study at AFE, we will let you know and connect you with a new child to sponsor for the remainder of the year. However, your continued prayer for that family is still appreciated.
10. How do I make my monthly contribution?
The easiest way to make your monthly contribution is to sign up for a recurring gift when you make your first payment online: AFE CART We will then charge your credit card $36 every month until your $432 (year) committment is up. To sign up for a recurring gift, please write: I would like to register to for a recurring gift in the comments box when you fill out your online form.
Another option is to pay for the whole year ($432) upfront. This saves AFE the monthly credit card transaction fee.
Or, you may make monthly payments yourself with your credit card online. After making your first $36 payment you will receive monthly reminders by email.
If you feel more comfortable giving by check, you may send your check to Together for Transformation at the first of the month. If we do not receive that check within two weeks, we will contact you by email to remind you.
11. Is giving online secure?
Yes, AFE´s cart is managed by the secure Stewardship Technology program. For this reason, you will be directed to leave AFE´s website when you access AFE´s cart.
12. Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes. You can print a receipt when you make your first payment and moniter your giving by logging on to your Stewardship Technology account. Our tax ID number is: 91 149037
12. How long does my child sponsorship last?
Your child sponsorship lasts one year from when you begin. You may renew your sponsorship annually if you would like.
If you have further questions, please contact elisewhitediaz@gmail.com