Q. How does Kenya Now operate in Kenya?
A. Kenya Now uses a framework of providing resources and assistance from a distance. We do this by building partnerships and supporting trusted local ministries who already have deep ties in their own communities. To date we partner with Abundant Mercy of Jesus Ministries located in Kitale, Kenya. They lead a network of small churches, operate a small school and orphanage. Our ministry partner has the calling, knowledge, skills and the community's trust, yet they lack important resources. It is our mission to bridge the gap and provide the resources needed to break the cycle of poverty. Learn more about our mission and philosophy here.
Q. What is unique about the AMJM school that Kenya Now supports?
A. Kenya Now supports a small school (pre-K to 3rd grade) in rural Kenya, operated by our ministry parter. They serve a mix of orphans and local children who come from extreme poverty. These young students are provided with free food, free uniforms and free education through our sponsorship and nutrition programs. All the students in the program are provided with food on weekends, holidays and extended periods when school is not in session. Donations towards our Healthy Child Program provides resources to pay clinic and hospital fees for the students participating in our sponsorship program. The local children go home at the end of every day while the resident students live and are cared for on the compound. Students are sent off to private schools after 3rd grade. Your monthly sponsorship gift covers these private school fees as well.
Q. Do I have to pay university fees in one lump sum?
A. We prefer to pay for all two years of tuition, fees, housing and food up front. If this is not possible, you can use the "One Time Donation" option and fill in a desired amount. Please note that a student cannot start school until we have received at least 50% of the funding required. You can email our sponsorship coordinator, Kristen, at sponsorships@kenyanow.org to discuss a payment plan that works best for you.
Q. Why does my university sponsorship cart say I will be charged yearly?
A. University sponsorships are structured as a yearly payment x 1 occurrence. Rest assured you will only be charged once. This is a work-around that we have to use in order to link your account to the student's profile.
Q. When will my university student start school?
A. Unlike American schools, the Kenyan school year is January to the end of December. Students are able to start schooling the moment funding is transferred and processed.
Q. What is the "living expenses" option for older and university sponsorships?
A. This is an optional monthly donation that goes toward assisting our college students with purchasing items beyond basic necessities. These students often live on their own and require additional support to help with educational success.
Q. Can I send letters to my sponsor student?
A. Yes! We highly encourage letter writing to your sponsor student, as well as to the class as a whole. They enjoy the encouragement and love shown by people across the world. However, we do discourage writing anything that alludes to providing financial support. This can create an unhealthy relationship and give the student(s) the sense that they can only achieve a bright future with assistance from the Western world. Also please be aware of cultural sensitivities and living conditions in Kenya. We advise against writing about material possessions or family vacations because these topics can come across as insensitive.
- Please send scanned or typed letters to sponsorships@kenyanow.org.
- Letters/drawings from the sponsor student will be emailed to you as they come in.
Q. How often will I get a sponsorship update?
A. Our sponsorship team releases quarterly updates. These updates may be delayed at times due to various factors.
Q. How is my donation used?
A. Donations are generally distributed according to the purpose you assigned it at checkout. Please keep in mind that the Kenya Now board of directors reserves the right to allocate donation revenue to other needs as deemed necessary. Sponsorship donations are pooled to benefit all the participating students as a whole. These funds are used to pay the teachers, orphanage staff, and purchase school supplies for all who attend this program. We do our best to ensure that donations go to their intended purpose.
Q. What is REACH?
A. REACH is a secure online interface that we use to manage online payments, supporter accounts, sponsorships, and more. Find out more at www.reachapp.co.
Do you have lingering questions?
