How often and what do children receive from the project with $38 sponsorship?

Hi Jenny!

Different areas might have slightly different needs. For example, in many areas in Africa, free public schooling is not available. In these areas, the staff have made providing tuition and uniforms a priority over other things. In areas where free public schooling is available, we might see other needs. In some areas, malnutrition is more of a problem than others. We may have more feeding programs in these areas and nutrition classes in how to eat healthily based the local diet and what is available. In most areas, vaccinations are provided for free by other organizations or the government we will make sure each child gets them. Many governments have other programs to help. For example, girls are provided free vocational training in Togo by the government. They make sure to cover vocational training for boys because that is not already provided. Basically, we take into consideration what is provided for free and may provide other benefits as needed. 

Also, most centers provide the main programming once a week. Both Ethiopia and Togo meet on Saturdays for 6-8 hours. The staff will also make home visits during the week and each center is a safe place for kids to go whenever they need. 

Here are some of the special programs that Ethiopia and Togo provide:
Ethiopia

• Nutritional Support: Light snacks are provided at the center especially when children come from school to attend tutorials and skill training. In most cases, light snacks include bread, tea and crackers. Every three months, supplementary food grain and cooking oil is provided for families. Nutritional intervention is made per a physician's prescription when there is an evidence of malnutrition. 
• Cognitive Development: Children take a national examination at grade eight that ensures their placement in high school. Those who passed will join two years of high school courses where at the end of the second year they will take another national examination. Their score determines their chance to join the pre-university two year class or vocational school. The government funds high school education as well as vocational schools. However, the centers provide school supplies and also cover the cost of vocational school if children do not have the opportunity to enroll in government schools and are enrolled in private ones. For those who join universities, the government has arranged a loan scheme where students start payment once they are employed.

Togo

• Nutritional Support: Generally in our projects, children are given a breakfast and a meal each day they come to project. But there are some critical situations where some specific children are given more than a meal per week. This occurs when caregivers are extremely poor and cannot afford their children with adequate food. A typical meal consists of breakfast, rice or pasta with fish or meat. Children are provided with food at the project because the food at home is often not nutritionally balanced. So, it is a unique opportunity for them to have at least one balanced food a week.
• Extracurricular Activities or Community Service: In many of our projects, extracurricular activities that occur are musical instrument playing, choreography, choir, artwork, soccer and puzzles.

Here is what is provided specific to each of your children's centers:
Your sponsorship of Yohanis allows the staff of Misrak Wonji Kuriftu Student Center  (ET315) to provide your sponsored child with Bible teaching, medical exams, recreational activities, field trips, scholastic materials and tutoring. The center staff will also provide meetings and devotions for the parents or guardians of your sponsored child.

Your sponsorship of Wogayehu allows the staff of Yirgalem Hiwot Berhan Church Student Center (ET711) to provide your sponsored child with Bible teaching, health screening, hygiene and health education, nutritious food, field trips, sports, educational materials, school fees and tutoring. The center staff will also provide opportunities for project involvement for the parents or guardians of your sponsored child.

Your sponsorship of Raymond allows the staff of Centre de Dévélopement des Enfants Victoire Djogblakope (TG806) to provide your sponsored child with Bible teaching, choir, hygiene and nutrition education, physical exercises, health screenings, field trips, community service opportunities, tutoring and educational materials. The center staff will also provide child development training, income generating activities and Bible teaching for the parents or guardians of your sponsored child.