FAQ’s

Some Common FAQ enquiries – Please use the Contact Form for submitting questions where you may need further specific guidance.

Are my contributions tax deductible?
Yes, Orphanages of Kenya is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization that is registered in the state of Oregon and is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3). You will receive an annual Statement of Giving at years end. Because we have very low administrative costs, you can be assured your money is directly benefiting the orphans.

Can I send an email to my child?
Yes! Send emails to [email protected] and we will ensure delivery to the children. Letters will be printed and hand delivered each month at the Kid’s Meeting at the Promised Land. Please include your child’s name and number on all correspondence to facilitate a timely response.

How are sponsored children prepared for adulthood?
With your help, a Kenyan Orphan will have the opportunity to lead a healthier, happier, and fuller life. We will send you updates so you can see how your child is growing, and developing through school and activities. You will see their progress through Primary and Secondary education, and how they are prepared through advanced education or a professional program to learn a trade. Our goal is to instill leadership qualities into our graduates so that they will go on to make a difference in their community.

How does my sponsorship help an orphan?
Your sponsorship gifts help an orphan escape a desperate situation and enter into a loving, family structure. They have access to everyday essentials like clean water, nutritious food, healthcare, clothing, and personal essentials. Sponsorship gives the orphan the opportunity to be educated, learn job-skills, and receive business training so they can earn an income and provide for their future families.

How does sponsoring an Orphaned child work?
Sponsorship is the catalyst for change in the hopeless situation that often holds a child in extreme poverty. By combining your $35.00 monthly contribution with those from at least two other sponsors, we are able to provide for all the needs of that child; family structure, sanitary environment, nutritious food, healthcare, education, and emotional support and spiritual guidance.

How long are sponsored children supported?
Our team normally brings an orphan into the program when a child is ready for the P1 level of school, usually at ages 3 or 4. The child is sponsored through Primary and Secondary school, up to S3 or S4 – that equates to 17 or 18 years of age. Many of our graduates are provided scholarships to a professional training school or college. Sponsors have the opportunity to participate in helping with tuition by continuing their sponsorship through higher education. Sponsorship is always voluntary and we fully understand that financial circumstances could change, resulting in a sponsor needing to adjust their commitments.

How often will I expect to hear from my sponsored child?
When you sponsor an orphan, you are connected one-to-one with a child brimming with potential but in need of help. You are given the opportunity to develop a strong relationship through writing letters by which you will get to know your child and learn about their daily realities, hopes and dreams. You can encourage them in their studies and hear about their progress. You will hear from your child on a quarterly basis but each child is encouraged to respond to each piece of correspondence from his or her sponsor. The more the sponsor writes, the more often the orphan responds.

What can I send my child?
Packages may be sent but delivery in Africa is never guaranteed so we will soon be introducing an online store on our website, www.orphanagesofkenya.org, for you to purchase gifts from “The Promise Land” Gift Store. The selection is limited at this time, but we will gradually be adding more items. The savings to you in time and postage is considerable and delivery is guaranteed!

What communications can I expect from The Promised Land?
Email notices keep everyone informed of current events at the Orphanage. The website, www.orphanagesofkenya.org, provides a central point of information through blogs or other posts. Newsletters are published at least twice yearly. We will inform you of any change in status of your child. You may also wish to “like” our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/orpanagesofkenya or see us on Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn or Pinterest by clicking on the associated icon at the top of each page.

What should I say in my letters?
Keep your letters simple, remember, some of the children are very young. Content is a personal decision but here are some suggestions: Encourage them in their education. Describe your family and include a photo. Share your hobbies, about your work or school, family holidays, and customs. Provide general info of where you live but we advise you, DO NOT include your address for security reasons.

Will I benefit from sponsoring an orphan?
As you exchange letters, send photos, and offer encouragement, your love will bring hope to a child that will last a lifetime. More than that, you will learn about Kenya, a country that has endured violence and significant changes over many years. You will better understand the political and economic realities your sponsored child faces. And, you will also experience the joy of empowering someone in great need and bringing hope to someone coming from a seemingly hopeless situation.

Will my sponsored child get to know me?
You’ll be given the chance to personally connect with your sponsored child and build a relationship that could change both of your lives. There are many ways to get to know and encourage your child – through letters, emails, cards, gifts and more. A team travels to the orphanage one to two times per year for work and care. We are happy to hand carry cards and small gifts for your child. You will be notified when a trip is planned. Sponsored children regularly pray for their sponsors and the children are excited to receive letters and learn about their sponsoring family.