Who does the sponsorship program serve?

Haven of Hope's sponsorship program serves orphaned and vulnerable children living in poverty in Zambia and Uganda. Some have lost both of their parents and have been taken into the care of a relative or other guardian. Others live with a single parent (often a widowed mother) or in a struggling two-parent household. "Vulnerable" children may be affected by hunger, illness, and a lack of access to healthcare, education, and other services. Haven of Hope works with local partners in Zambia and Uganda to serve the children in their communities with greatest need. Sponsorship provides an education, as well as physical care, for children whose families could not otherwise afford to send them to school.

Does Haven of Hope operate orphanages?

No. The children in our sponsorship program live in family units, whether with a biological parent (or parents) or with a relative or other guardian, if they have been orphaned. Thus, sponsorship may serve not only a child but also their family or household. With the child receiving an education and physical care through sponsorship, parents and guardians may be able to direct their resources to meet other immediate needs. They also have greater hope for their child's future through education.

What will my sponsored child receive?

The child you sponsor will begin attending one of the private Christian schools with which Haven of Hope partners in Zambia and Uganda. These schools provide students with a high-quality education, teach them the Word of God, and disciple them. Sponsorship covers the cost of a child's school fees, supplies, and uniform. The child will also receive daily meals when school is in session and treatment for their medical needs.

In Zambia, our two partner schools educate students at the primary level. Upon reaching secondary school, they transfer to government-run (public) schools in their communities to complete their education, with sponsorship continuing to provide for their schooling and physical care through their graduation. Zambian students attend primary school for seven years and secondary school for five years.

In Uganda, our partner schools educate students at the nursery school (preschool), primary, and secondary levels. Sponsorship will support their schooling and physical care through their graduation as well. Ugandan students attend three years of nursery school, seven years of primary school, and four to six years of secondary school.

Sponsorship provides HOPE. Your child will have the hope of a brighter future through education. Your love and encouragement will help this child understand their worth as a person created and loved by God. And discipleship will give them the opportunity to know Jesus, the greatest hope of all.

How long is my sponsorship commitment?

You are welcome to continue sponsoring your child through their graduation from secondary school, or for as long as their personal circumstances allow them to remain in our sponsorship program. Occasionally a students' circumstances may change; for example, their family may relocate to another town or village. A student may also be removed from our program if they have prolonged irregular attendance or stop attending school, for whatever reason. We will inform you immediately should this occur, and we will offer you the opportunity to support another child in our program. We also understand that a sponsor's circumstances can change. You may contact us at any time if you need to discontinue your sponsorship. We will then find another sponsor to support your child.

Many Zambian students in our sponsorship program have graduated from secondary school and decided to pursue further education in college and vocational training programs. We are supporting them through generous gifts to our Graduate Scholarship Fund. If the student you sponsored decides to pursue college or vocational training after their graduation, we will make you aware of any opportunities to directly support them further, should you wish to do so.

Will my sponsored child receive special gifts?

Yes! Sponsored children will receive special gifts twice a year, provided through your sponsorship. Around the middle of the year, students have a birthday party, at which all of them are celebrated together. Some of the children do not know their actual birth dates, so this annual party ensures that every child feels valued. Each child will receive a birthday gift—typically a fun and needed item such as new clothing, shoes, a backpack, or a blanket.

Students also enjoy an annual Christmas party, at which they celebrate Christ's birth together. They share a special Christmas meal and receive a few personal gifts, including new clothes and assorted smaller items such as school and art supplies, games, hygiene items, and so forth.

Is sponsorship more than just a handout?

We believe that sponsorship is a hand UP. Supporting a child's education is an investment in their future. A high-quality education can give them opportunities that they would not otherwise have and can ultimately help them break free of the poverty cycle. Moreover, our partner schools strive to instill in their students the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become leaders in their communities. Students who have experienced a hand up through sponsorship often express a desire to help others and to one day reinvest in their own community.

Can I send things to my child?

Relationship is a vital part of sponsorship, fostered through regular letter exchange. Twice a year, we will ask you to write a letter to your child. You may include photos and small, flat items, such as stickers or bookmarks. Letters are delivered to the children by ministry staff from the USA twice a year.

Can I visit my sponsored child?

Yes! We take mission teams to Zambia and Uganda regularly, and we welcome you to join us in ministering to the children in our program and visiting your sponsored child. Learn about upcoming trips.

Ready to sponsor a child?

Still have questions? Contact us.