FAQ: Sponsoring a Child

 

How can I make sponsorship payments?

Payments can be made to JCI by credit card online, bank transfer, cheque or money order, please consider paying two, three or even six months at a time. This saves both you and JCI time and money. Please make cheques payable to ‘Joshua Care International’.

Receipts for payments are issued quarterly in order to minimise administration and postage costs.

 

How long does a sponsorship last?

Ideally, sponsoring a child goes on for several years, through the duration of their schooling life.

When you sponsor a child, you are not locked into a contract of any kind. We understand that your financial circumstances may change over time and if you are unable to make your regular contributions, notify Joshua Care International administration upon discontinuation of your sponsorship six months in advance or we can assist you with a range of options.

Sometimes, changes in a child’s circumstances may bring an end to the sponsorship, such as when the child’s family moves away from the project area. In such instances, we will find out why and explain the situation to you. We will also help find another child for you to sponsor.

 

I’m having difficulties can I get help?

If you are having financial difficulties, we may have ways to help you. Children are disadvantaged when we fail to hear from sponsors who cease their support, or who move without telling us.

 

Why do I need parental permission to sponsor a child if I’m under 18?

Sponsoring a child is an ongoing commitment of $58 a month. Some young people are unable to afford this amount without parental assistance. JCI does not wish to place a financial burden on young people or their families. If you are under 18 and would like to sponsor a child, please confirm the decision with your parent or guardian first.

 

How do I update my contact details?

If your contact details have changed please update your details with us using the contact us send link. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding sponsorships, donations or payments.

 

How children are chosen for sponsorship?

JCI is focused on providing opportunities for underprivileged children by matching scholarships to children and families who are prepared to make the life commitments to support development of their children in this area.

JCI scholarship selection process:

  1. The JCI accepts the application from the parents wanting their kids on our sponsorship program
  2. JCI give them the list of requirements we need to process their application such as:  Birth Certificate, Good Moral Character, Report Card with 80%GPA, and the Indigent Certificate.
  3. JCI assesses the families financial circumstances
  4. JCI will assess the level of commitment from the family
  5. A maximum of two children per family are eligible for scholarship (one child’s application at a time)

Scholarships are open to all children of school age Pre-school to Year 12 (from 5-16 years old)

 

 

What commitments are required of the sponsored Child’s family?

The family is required to:

  • Ensure that the child will regularly attend school
  • Allow the child to attend church (Sunday School)
  • Encourage the children to get involved in youth group and church related activities
  • Be willing and support the scholarship process – This is a lifestyle commitment

JCI wants to ensure that sponsors money is not being wasted. This commitment does require sacrifice from the family

At this stage all scholarships provided are for attendance to the Mt Moriah Christian Academy. This is to ensure that an appropriate standard of life skills are developed and the JCI support structure effectively reaches the children. Some Scholarship recipients that are graduating are subject to their sponsor’s willingness to continue the sponsorship to an appropriate college.

 

What will my sponsorship cover?

JCI Educational Sponsorships cost AU$58per month ($696 per year) which covers the cost of attending an accredited quality Christian School for one child and entitles children access to the complete school program including excursions and school camps. It also includes regular support for the child and quarterly reviews by JCI team members. It does not include textbooks, excursions, meals outside of school or medical attention. Parents are expected to contribute and participate where possible. Additional donations are used to meet these other areas of need.

Sponsorships are renewed annually however naturally we would hope that sponsorship continues till the child completes their education.

As JCI a future focused program our activities centre around developing the qualities in the children that will set them up for success in life through the development of the Christ centred perspective in their lives.

 

How much of my donation gets to my sponsored child?

Currently all of the sponsorship money is sent to directly to support the sponsored child. All administration, fund raising and travel for the ministry team are either funded by team members or by donations specifically for that purpose.

Joshua Care International was registered in Australia as an entity (ACN. 123 316 576) and as foundation in Philippines with SEC REG. NO. CN201102496. Part of the development of JCI and a requirement of being a registered is to provide properly documented accounts and to be audited by an official independent auditor. All expenses are required to be countersigned to maintain staff accountability.

 

Can I get an update on how my sponsored child is progressing?

Interaction between JCI, the sponsored child and their family is high. JCI sponsorships are about making a difference in the Child’s life not just academic development. JCI conducts a periodic independent child assessment to determine;

  1. The effectiveness of the education and if there are any problem areas
  2. How the child is fitting in
  3. That JCI staff conduct is appropriate in accordance with policy
  4. Any special needs
  5. Physical development
  6. Seek feedback from the child and their family

Sponsors will receive updates from time to time as a result of this assessment program with information about their sponsored Child’s development and needs. Special and urgent needs will be communicated directly as we become aware of them. We also include any current photographs and clothing sizes.

 

How much more would it cost to help out covering basic medical and food costs?

JCI scholarships focus on long term development however these children and their families face survival issues on a daily basis. It costs approximately another $2 per day to provide nutritious meals and basic medical attention. If you would like to help in this area we provide an option for an additional sponsorship contribution of any amount per month to cover these basic needs.

 

Can I write and visit my sponsored child?

Yes you can. Communication to and from your sponsored child is done via JCI. Messages can be sent online through the ‘Contact us’ section and are presented periodically. Any messages from the children or their families are passed through by JCI team members back to you.

JCI sponsors can visit their sponsored children at the school and with prior arrangement with JCI leadership. If you would like to know more about this please contact Sharon Del Valle  and Israel Forbes.

 

Can I send my child a Christmas or birthday gift?

We encourage the sending of gifts. A small gift brings so much joy to the children. We regularly send items. For more information about or to arrange sending your parcel please contact JCI. (Please: note sending of your item may attract a nominal shipping fee).

If you are considering an item of clothing we have provided a size – age cross reference table and will also publish your sponsored Child’s clothing sizes on the ‘Sponsors Area’ of this site

How can I help JCI more in it’s ministry to the children?

JCI child scholarships provide a framework to to begin to develop the academic, spiritual and life skills elements of an underprivileged Child’s life. The immediate needs such as medical, special needs and feeding programs which address the daily survival issues are still very real. We are appreciate your compassion and are delighted to accept and pass on any additional donations or gifts for specific individuals or to support specific JCI Initiatives.

  • To see a list of the current JCI initiative needs click here.
  • To find out more about how to make a financial donation please click here