Student Sponsorship FAQs

What countries is the sponsorship program in?

Currently our student sponsorship program is in the Philippines and Indonesia.

How does it work?

Schools of Light works with local partners on the ground who are committed to helping students access education and get the additional assistance they need. Once a student is matched with a sponsor, a united partnership is formed between the sponsor, Schools of Light, the community program and the sponsored student. This transformative partnership helps the student achieve educational objectives and alleviate the pressure of poverty they’ve been walking in.

Throughout the sponsorship period, Schools of Light provides support to both sponsors and students. They monitor the progress of sponsored students, ensure funds are used appropriately for educational expenses and facilitate communication between sponsors and students.

Sponsors will receive updates on their sponsored student’s progress, including achievements, personal milestones, and any challenges they may face. This feedback allows sponsors to see the direct impact of their support and helps foster a meaningful relationship between sponsor and student.

How are children identified for sponsorship?

School aged children are identified by our local partners for sponsorship. There are a number of factors that help our local partners identify them such as their financial need, family background, and specific geographic and demographic considerations. Additionally, parental/guardian confirmation is agreed upon for the student to be sponsored. Once this formal agreement has been made with the children's guardians and program managers, children are then available for sponsorship and the journey of lighting up a future begins!

Where does my money go?

100% of your funds goes directly to the student you sponsor.

Why isn't the student already in school? Do they already go to school?

There will be some children in our sponsorship program that previously did not attend school, but now due to sponsorship, can! School attendance can be complex due to access issues, financial pressure, lack of value on education from the family, and even factors like child labour.

Some of the sponsored students in our program already attend school. However, the quality of education those students are receiving is varied and the school systems in these nations often don’t provide the resources needed for students to flourish. Your sponsorship enables additional support such as tutoring, school supplies, book packs and assistance with school uniform costs, all of which make a world of difference. And because a student's health and wellbeing are just as important as education, your sponsorship also covers an annual medical check-up.

Your support enables the essentials for today, along with the hope and opportunities for tomorrow.

What happens if my sponsored student's circumstances change?

If your sponsored student's circumstances change, for example they move to another region, attend a different school, or finish their schooling, Schools of Light will reassess the partnership and situation and adjust sponsorship accordingly.

In the event of a student sponsorship concluding, all members of the partnership - the student’s family, the community program and the sponsor - will be notified. Sponsors will then be offered the opportunity to sponsor another student.

Can I write to my sponsored student?

Yes! On a 6-month basis, by completing the template or completing the letter online.

How do I end my student sponsorship?

Get in contact with us info@schoolsoflight.org