Frequently Asked Questions
If I want to pay towards skills training or a project?
Does this mean I have an ongoing commitment to pay more? No, absolutely not. These are one off payments and you have no obligation nor commitment to pay any more
How do I know how my money is spent?
As trustees, we are governed by Charity Law and we are required to do what we tell you we are going to do. We visit Smile Children's Charity Village to see the evidence of how your money is being spent and, when money is sent to the director of Smile Children's Charity Village, the trustees obtain confirmation that the money will be spent on the intended project or child and in the intended way
How to sponsor a child
Go to our children’s page and find a child you would like to sponsor. You may worry about choosing a child because by doing so you are not choosing another and we understand this. In our view, we say that helping any of the children is actually helping them all, because you are sending a message to the whole school that they are loved and are important. If you would like help to choose a child, please email us on andrew@smilechildsponsorship.org.uk and we can arrange a call back to talk this through with you
How much do I need to pay?
For £42 per month, you can pay for all the needs for education, food, clothing, accommodation and access to medical support
But you can pay whatever amount you want to give, and that could be £5 or £10 per month or the full amount. Every amount is equally valuable and gives the same message of hope to the children – not just to the one you sponsor but to all of them. For any shortfall, we look to find other sponsors to top up to the full amount
How long does my sponsorship last?
We hope that sponsorship lasts throughout their education, which usually ends between the ages of 18 and 22. But It is common for some to start school late, repeat years or stay on for vocational training courses, so sometimes it can last longer
What happens if the child I sponsor leaves education early?
Sometimes, children may leave before they have finished their education. If you agree we will transfer the sponsorship to another child. Or, if you choose to end your sponsorship, you can write a final letter to bless them
What happens if my circumstances change?
We understand that your circumstances may change and, if you wish to end your sponsorship, we will look to find a new sponsor as quickly as possible
What happens to children who do not continue with school?
The sad reality is that orphans who do not continue with school have limited options. They will attempt to reconnect with relatives. For girls, they are then often forced into marriage because the relatives are unable to afford to keep them; some of these girls are aged 12 or 13
Can I claim Gift Aid on my donation?
Yes, by selecting this option when donating via the donate buttons or completing the Gift Aid declaration and returning it to andrew@smilechildsponsorship.org.uk or sending it by post to Smile Child Sponsorship at Brickfield Farm House, Stokes Marsh, Coulston, Westbury BA13 4NZ.
“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it”
1 Corinthians 3:10