"Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.
(Matthew 18, 5)"
 
The Sponsorship (fostership)

Family of a fosterchild Children If people in a First World country decide to take over sponsorship of a child in a Third World country, then various considerations must precede this decision. One must consider whether the sponsorship should be held for a period of years to support a child financially even if the amount is comparatively small. Which organization is trustworthy? Does my money arrive? How much money is spent for administration costs etc.?
On one hand there are uncertainties that one cannot foresee. On the other hand one would gladly like to help a child - and thus its family - in order to make it possible for the child to lead a better, happier, healthier life.
Perhaps you have already decided, and would be happy to still have more information? food for the childrenIn the resource room for blind pupilsOr you are still uncertain whether such a sponsorship for a child of the German Church School makes sense?

With this information I would like to help you to make a decision. From my own experience I can confirm that this project is trustworthy.
But, you alone must make the decision!

Here are answers to some of the usual questions. If your question is not here, then please send me an email.
I will answer you as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your interest!

Minister Gerhard Reuther
 




Most frequently asked questions:

 

What kinds of Sponsorships are there?

There are two kinds of Sponsorships: Project Sponsorships and Personal Sponsorships.
With a Project Sponsorship, you support a certain project of the school, e.g. the library, the school hospital, etc. You can also support the school as an overall project without choosing a special purpose. You can request more information directly from the school.
When you assume the responsibility of a Personal Sponsorship you become a sponsor of a pupil of the German Church School.

 

Who do I contact if I want to take over a Sponsorship?

You can submit a request directly to the German Church School in Addis Abeba, in stating your intention to take over a Sponsorship and they will send you the appropriate documents.
Or, you can send me an email with your request to

 

Is the Sponsorship obtained through a relief organization?

No. The Sponsorships are obtained directly from the German Church School. Doing this can save many costs. In addition, you have the possibility of being in direct contact with the local partners.

Top

 

Where do I get a form for a Sponsorship request?

The fastest way is to print out the form, which you can find on the Website. Please fill it out and send it by fax or by postal letter to the school.
On the website, please click on form. It will open a new window containing the form. After you print out the form, please close the window.
If you have problems printing out this form you can have one sent it to you from the school, or you can contact me.

 

What is the cost of a Sponsorship?

If you would like to sponsor a certain project at the school, there is no limit. You can donate any amount that you wish.
The cost of a personal sponsorship amounts to 26 Euro (about 28 US-Dollars depending on the exchange rate) per month. You can also choose a higher amount. However, you should discuss that with the school.

 

Can several people take over the sponsorship of a child?

Yes. You should agree beforehand how you are going to finance the sponsorship. It should be decided among the sponsors who will take over if one or more are unable to fulfill their commitment. It would be advisable to inform the school of all the names of the sponsors.

Top

 

Does each school child have a sponsor?

Unfortunately, they do not, and there are several reasons for that.
It often happens that some of the children cannot be placed after they are enrolled in school, because there are not enough prospective sponsors. Another reason consists of the fact that some sponsors terminate their support for personal reasons. Finally, it happens quite frequently that prospective sponsors expressing a desire to take over a sponsorship never respond after the documents have been forwarded to them
Therefore, I cordially request that if you receive the documents you have requested from the school, please complete the application and send it back to the school. If you decide, for some reason, that you must change your decision, it is important that the staff of the school is informed of your change of mind.

 

What happens to children who do not find sponsors?

These children are supported with funds from a general fund, so that they can remain at the school. But this cannot be a continuous solution, because these funds are needed in other places. The sponsorships are an indispensable financial support leg of the school!

 

How long does a sponsorship last?

The sponsorship last as long as the sponsored child is a pupil at the German Church School, i.e. 8 years, because the Ethiopian government has approved the GSC only up to the conclusion of the 8th grade.
The duration can vary depending on whether you take over a sponsorship of a child in the first grade or one from a higher class. This choice is up to you, considering which children are still there for placement. It is, therefore, important that you decide for yourselves how many years you want or are able to take over a sponsorship..
However, I would like to make you aware of a further possibility!
You can prolong the support of your a child beyond the conclusion of the 8th grade at the German Church School, if the student goes on to a national school. You can support the student up to the conclusion of his/her further education. These students are then cared for further by the German Church School. This is called "Extended Sponsorship".
However, you must discuss these details at given time with the staff of the school. It will be your decision to choose "Extended Sponsorship".

Top

 

What happens if I cannot finance the sponsorship any longer?

Then you must notify the school that you are unable to continue your sponsorship and that you have to terminate the agreement. You do not have to tell the school that you will end the agreement in a specific amount of time, e.g. 1 month or 2 months.
However, I urgently recommend that before you decide to assume the responsibility of a sponsorship that you can insure the funds required over the years. The abrupt termination of a sponsorship will be, naturally, a problem both for the child and the school. The previously sponsored child will not have to leave the school, but the financial security of maintaining the cost will fall to the household of the school.
If you should find yourself in such a situation, then you can also try to find someone who will takes over your sponsorship. Or, you could discuss it promptly with your children, relatives or friends to see if one of them can take over the security of the sponsorship in case of emergency.

 

What happens after I request a form to sponsor a child?

The school will send you a form with personal information about a child for your consideration. You will have enough time to think in peace about whether you want to accept the school’s choice. If you are satisfied with their recommendation, you must communicate this in writing to the school. All further details will be sent to you after that.
If you should wish to take over the sponsorship of a different child, then please send back the documents and inform the school of your decision. Then a new recommendation will be submitted to you.
Tip: If you should have certain preferences, then please communicate these to the school when you request the sponsorship form.

 

What do I have to consider after filing an application?

1. Even if it sounds strange to you, please respond if you receive mail from the GCS!
It actually happens frequently that prospective customers who expressed a desire to sponsor a child never respond after receiving the proposal for sponsorship! You can imagine that this is not good news for the staff or for the child.
Even if you have decided not to take over the sponsorship, please communicate this to the school. It will not offend the school if you have reconsidered your decision and changed your mind. However, it is important to inform the school so they know where they stand.
2. Decide whether you want to give a direct debit authorization to the school or transfer the amount of the sponsorship yourself. People from abroad should contact the school to find out the best way to transfer money. Usually, it is acceptable to send a check.
3. The amount of the sponsorship is usually transferred monthly. If you want to select another mode of payment, then please make this agreement with the school.

Top

 

Do I have personal contact with the child I am sponsoring?

Yes. Personal contact with the child you are sponsoring is not only possible, but also expressly desired. Simply send your letters with the name of the child included in the address of the school.

 

Which language should I use in corresponding with the school?

If you can speak and/or write English, that simplifies the correspondence. However, you can also write in German. There are volunteer aides who translate the letters into the necessary language at the office of the German Church Congregation.

 

Can I make a donation without further obligation to the school?

Yes. You can give a donation to the school at any time without obligation. You indicate on the remittance form that your donation is to be used for a specific purpose, e.g. for school supplies at GCS, or simply write only GCS.

 

How can I the school give my donation?

The German Church Congregation of Addis Abeba has a bank account in Germany. You can deposit your donations into this account for the school. Please indicate on the remittance form if you want your donation to be used for a specific purpose or just to "GCS".
Note: If you transfer the amount for the child you are sponsoring then please add the sponsorship number, which will be sent to you by the school!
The account of the school in Germany is at the KD-Bank, Duisburg, account number 101,144 4020. The Bank code number BLZ 350 601 90.
People from abroad should contact the school to find out the best way to transfer money. Usually, it is acceptable to send a check.

Top

 

Are my donations tax deductible? Who issues the donation receipts?

Yes, your donations are tax deductible. The minister of the Church congregation issues and sends the donation receipts to you. Please, contact him regarding the details of the receipt because it may differ from country to country.

 

Does my money really arrive?

Yes, your money does really arrive. As soon as you make the transfer your money arrives at the school to be used at their discretion.

 

What does my money finance?

That depends on the use that you specified. If you wish to support a project sponsorship, the money is used exclusively for this purpose. The same applies to any appropriate donations.
In the case of a child sponsorship, the training of the child you selected is financed with the money. In addition to the school uniform, medical support, and school supplies, a small monthly subsidy is set aside for the family of the sponsored child as well as the payment of the salaries for the school employees who teach the children.

 

Can I send my foster child additional assistance?

That is possible in principle, but should not exceed certain boundaries so that no unhappiness or jealousy develops among the pupils.
With additional cash allowances for certain occasions such as a birthday, the highest amount sent should not exceed 100 Birr (=12.50 Euro). You can also send a package, but it would be best to confer with the school as to the individual needs of the child.

Top

 

Who controls the appropriate use of the money?

The Church Congregation each year orders two independent audits. The results of these reports are submitted to the church executive committee. From these reports the annual budget is decided.
The Church Congregation is then obliged to relay this information to all involved. These are the German KINDERNOTHILFE, the Christoffel Blind Mission as well as the Finnish relief organization "Interpedia".

 

How high are the administrative expenses of the school?

The administrative expenses of the school amount to approximately 4%.
This is a small percentage. Information received from the speaker of a German church relief organization states that administrative expenses of up to 15% apply as respectable. There are "relief organizations" that have administrative expenses of up to 40%!
The money, which you donate to the school, benefits the respective donation purposes to their full extent.

 

Is there regular information forthcoming the school?

Yes. Twice a year the school sends out a circular to all donors. In addition, you can keep in contact with the school via Email, Telephone and Fax (see "Contact" on this website)

 

Can I search for certain references on the Website of the German Church School?

Yes, please use our search machine to obtain any information that you might seek.

Search this site!       powered by FreeFind

Top

Thanks to Helen Knuttel, California, for editing my english draft!
 
Church Kreuzkirche Thank you
for your
interest!
 
 
 
Back