Frequently Asked Questions

What are my responsibilities as a sponsor?

What happens if a sponsor in my group is no longer able to honor their financial commitment?

Will I receive information on my student’s progress in school?

Can I send letter, gifts and/or packages to my sponsored child?

What if my student discontinues their education for any reason?

How will I be billed for my financial commitment?

Can I elect to make a one time contribution rather than sponsor a particular child?

Are my donations tax deductible?

 

What are my responsibilities as a sponsor?

When you agree to sponsor a child, you have agreed to an annual commitment for a predetermined length of time. The time and cost commitment are calculated based upon the student’s expected term of education and the tuition costs for that education. Some funds will also be used for uniforms or school supplies if necessary.

In return for your commitment you help a child receive an otherwise unavailable education and you can experience the deep satisfaction that results from knowing you have made a life altering opportunity available to a deserving child. The level of communication through letters or care packages to the child is your personal decision beyond the education support.

What happens if a sponsor in my group is no longer able to honor their financial commitment?

The scholar committee members will ensure that a replacement sponsor is solicited to ensure that the child’s education is not interrupted. A fund will be drawn upon if necessary to cover any costs until a replacement sponsor is located.

Will I receive information on my student’s progress in school?

You will receive a report at least bi-annually on your student’s progress. You will also receive yearly information on the general progress and well being of your student. Progress will also be reported each year on the website.

Can I send letter, gifts and/or packages to my sponsored child?

You may send gifts and packages to your child. You are certainly not obligated to send letters or gifts, but if you choose to, please take into consideration that it will take some time for gifts to arrive to your student. If you would like to send a gift or package for a particular occasion please plan on sending it two months prior to the occasion date.

All gifts should be forwarded with a note inside the box with your student’s name on it
To: Mr. John Kalule
Engeye Clinic, registered NGO
PO Box 26592
Kampala, Uganda

Suggested items that would be appropriate for gifts for your student or the other children of the village:
• PHOTOS of you or your family. A letter with information about your family, work and home (post cards from your city/state are also great) are very special.
• BOOKS: Simple English, picture and math books can be very useful. Children will learn their lessons in both Luganda and English so English books are helpful.
• TOYS: small cars, balls, soccer balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes.
• SCHOOL SUPPLIES: pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc. (some supplies can be taken to school while others will be used at home to help with school work). Suggest that you put items in zip lock bags so student can keep them clean since many live in homes with a dirt floor.
• HYGIENE ITEMS: toothbrush, toothpaste, comb
• OTHER: Note cards, T-shirts, skirts, socks, ball caps; toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (extra batteries)
Items for the household. Tupperware containers with lids (to store food, rice, etc), small mixing bowls.

Postage for any package needs to be paid by the sender. It is expensive to send packages to Uganda which is why we encourage coordinated mailings for those sponsoring the same student. We have been advised by the Post Office in Latham, NY, that the following is the cost to mail flat rate boxes of any weight:
Basic Priority Mail Flat Rate Box - $42.00 – 20 lb weight limit
Large Priority Mail Flat Rate Box, $53.95 – 20 lb weight limit

What if my student discontinues their education for any reason?

We will contact you to determine if you would be willing to sponsor a waiting child. If not, your financial obligation will end.

How will I be billed for my financial commitment?

We will send you a bill/reminder each year based upon you’re agreed upon payment structure.

Can I elect to make a one time contribution rather than sponsor a particular child?

Yes. Any such contribution will be placed in the general fund and used for the education or other needs of an existing or waiting child based upon any urgent needs. There are many needs of the sponsored students beyond the educational costs of education. Contributions are useful to offset health and medical costs and other basic needs. Click here to donate now!

Are my donations tax deductible?

Absolutely. Engeye is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization.