Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an SFK scholarship?
- Where in the world does SFK help?
- What local help do you have?
- How will my money be used?
- Will I hear from the kid(s) that I sponsor?
- How do you ensure that our donations are used wisely?
- What are my donation options?
- How else can I help?
- What is an SFK scholarship?
In many of the world’s poorest nations an education is the only thing that separates those with prospects from those destined for a life of hardship. Our scholarships provide financial assistance to carefully selected children who are in dire need of help and live in some of the world's worst slums. Their fees are paid directly by us to their schools and can cover the entire period of their primary or secondary education.
To find out more about our scholarships follow this link to The Scholarships page.
- Where in the world does SFK help?
We currently offer our scholarships throughout Kenya helped largely by our strong relationship with a local NGO (the Kenya Independent Schools Association). The aim is to expand this model to other countries in the near future, but only where an equally strong local educational partner can be found.
To find out more about SFK follow this link to the Where We Help page.
- What local help do you have?
Our local NGO partner in Kenya is KISA (the Kenya Independent Schools Association). Since 1999 they have been championing the education of children from low income households in over a thousand schools, most of which can be found in the informal settlements (slums) of Kenya’s major towns and cities. Alongside our own local coordinator, they play an invaluable role in helping us to locate, assess and monitor the children we help and the schools they study in. Thus ensuring your donations are being used in the fairest and most effective way.
Our plans to offer SFK scholarships to children in other countries can only be achieved with the help of other NGO partners like KISA, as their local respect and knowledge has proven to be a great asset.
- How will my money be used?
Depending on how you have asked us to allocate your donation, it could help towards, or pay fully the school fees of one or more carefully selected children. In addition, it could be used to buy their school uniforms or books. We treat every donation with the gratitude and respect that it deserves, and the allocation of every penny that you contribute is carefully considered and monitored.
To see how serious we are about making the most of your donation follow this link to our Financial Ethos page.
- Will I hear from the kid(s) that I sponsor?
If you request it you can receive regular reports on the progress of the child that you are sponsoring, and even the occasional letter from them telling you how they are progressing at school with your help.
- How do you choose the kids that you help?
Every child that receives one of our scholarships has been selected because of their commitment to gaining a good education, the support of their family/guardians and the belief the school and teachers have in them. Many walk as much as ten miles each day to get to school by 8am. Because we have limited funds to distribute only those with the most determination and in the most need are considered.
To find out more about our selection process follow this link to the Scholarships page.
- How do you ensure that our donations are used wisely?
SFK’s local coordinator and our NGO partner carefully select every child and every school that will be included within our scholarship scheme.
Once accepted both child and school must maintain standards and achieve targets to continue receiving the funds:
- The scholarship beneficiaries must attend school and pass exams, proving their continued commitment to their education.
- The school must demonstrate to SFK that they are working towards offering a better educational environment, and account for every penny of your money that they spend.
To ensure that your donations are handled with respect and honesty we have instructed independent auditors to regularly monitor the flow of all monies through our charity.
For more information on how your donations are protected follow this link to our Financial Ethos page.
- What are my donation options?
You can choose how you would like to help. Sponsor a single child to gain the education they deserve, contribute towards the scholarships of several children, help them with the cost of their uniforms and books, or offer your donations in a general capacity so we can distribute them where they are most needed.
To find out more or to discuss a donation please contact our scholarships administrator Catherine Scholfield at catherine@scholarshipsforkids.org
- How else can I help?
- Tell others about us – Tell anyone and everyone – word of mouth is the best form of promotion we could hope for, and the most wonderful thing you could do for the children who benefit from our scholarships
- Fundraising – Whether as an individual or as part of a school, society or club you could help us to raise funds and awareness by organising a fundraising event.
- Help us to help them – if you have any ideas on ways we can improve our fundraising or promotion then we would be delighted to hear from you. Email your suggestions to catherine@scholarshipsforkids.org.