FAQs
Have Questions?
Does sponsoring a student really help?
Yes, sponsoring a student helps eradicate poverty. It gives students the opportunity to have the resources, knowledge, and skills needed to not only survive but to thrive in the world.
A quality education supports a child's social, emotional, cognitive, and communication skills. Children who attend school often advance to a higher level than those aren't in the classroom. Children on to the street can fall prey to human trafficking and slavery.
Children with a quality education can use their skills to earn higher incomes, to care for their families and lead successful lives.
Seven ways education helps eliminate poverty:
1. Linked to economic growth.
2. Fights inequality.
3. Linked lower maternal and infant mortality rates.
4. Lowers stunting rates.
5. Reduces vulnerability to HIV and AIDS.
6. Reduces Vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change.
7. Reduces violence at home and in communities.
How much does it cost to sponsor a student?
Two ways to sponsor a student:
o Annually - $480 for one student (given in one lump sum)
o Monthly - $40 per month per student
How long do I sponsor a student with Empower Education?
We ask for a one-year commitment to support a student's education. At the end of each year, we will offer the opportunity for donors to renew their sponsorship for another year. Donors may pause their sponsorship for a few months, if needed.
Can I choose which student I want to sponsor?
Yes, you can choose your student to sponsor. This creates a personal connection and a bond between you and the student. Empower Education will provide details to help you choose.
May I contact the sponsored student?
For the protection of the child and sponsor, we do not permit direct communication. However, we have a process setup for correspondence that starts when you begin sponsorship.
We send:
o An initial letter from the sponsored student including details about age, gender, etc.
o Periodic updates about the school and programs.
o An update mid-year or end of the year with a photo of the student along with fun updates.
o Twice a year - an update about the school in general.
Can the student contact me?
For protection of the child and sponsor we do not permit direct communication.
Can I send the money directly to the student?
No, to protect the children (and for tax purposes), all funds must be processed through Empower Education.
May I send gifts to my student?
No, and yes. Gifts may be provided for all students in the class via a designated donation to Empower Education. Our staff will purchase enough quantity to distribute to each child on your behalf (for example, stickers, stationery, snacks, etc.).
Does each student have only one sponsor?
Yes.
What if I want to cancel my sponsorship?
We would like for you to commit to a one-year sponsorship; however, we realize life happens and you might need to cancel. Just send an email to info@empowereducation.global.
At the end of each year, we will offer the opportunity for donors to renew their sponsorship for another year. If a donor needs to pause their sponsorship for a few months, that it is an option also.
What does my sponsorship cover for the student?
Your sponsorship covers the following:
• Tuition and Fees (books, uniforms, field trips, graduation fees, lunch fees, miscellaneous fees, etc.)
• Building Costs (utilities, furniture and other furnishings, security, maintenance and repairs, etc.)
• Teachers and Administration Costs (Salaries, research and development, seminars for further education, etc.)
• School Administration costs
• Computer labs, Science labs, sports equipment, projects and events, Music, etc.
• Transportation (school bus, van, etc,)
• Media, photography, video production
• Family Counseling (seminars, books, materials, etc.)
• Emergency Funds
Can I visit my sponsored student?
No. However, if you attend an organized short-term trip with Empower International, there is a possibility that you may meet your student.
Will the sponsored student know who I am?
Students will not know who their sponsor is. This eliminates the possibility of a non-sponsored student feeling rejected or devalued. However, the students will know kind people like you are sponsoring them.
What if a student graduates or leaves the program for some reason?
We will inform the sponsor about their student's graduation and provide details about their future goals, dreams, and next steps. The sponsor has an option to continue supporting the student throughout their college education or switch to sponsoring a younger child. If the child discontinues their education due to the family moving out of the district, we will notify the sponsor and suggest another student of the same grade/age. Since this is an annual sponsorship commitment, the donor would need to renew their sponsorship when the child re-enrolls in the next school year.
