o How much does child sponsorship cost and how long is the commitment?
o What percentage of contributions goes toward administrative costs?
o How do I select a specific child for sponsorship?
o How do I stay in contact with my sponsored child?
o Can I send gifts to my sponsored child?
o Can I donate to Mogra Star without sponsoring a child?
o How can a trip to Mogra Star be arranged and how much will this cost?
o Whom do I contact for volunteer work at Mogra Star?

How much does child sponsorship cost and how long is the commitment?
Child sponsorship costs $275 per year until graduation and is sufficient to provide the sponsored child with a school uniform, supplies, meals, shelter (if required), and most importantly, a rigorous and high quality education. Donations can be made on a monthly or annual basis and all amounts are tax deductible. There is no contract involved and you may cease your sponsorship commitment at anytime. However, for the vast majority of Mogra Star students, since sponsorship is the only means they have to attend school, we hope that commitments continue as long as feasible.

How do I select a specific child for sponsorship?
Currently, there are several hundred children awaiting sponsorship. The Mogra Star team usually determines which children require sponsorship most urgently depending on family circumstances, age, etc. However, if you would like to choose a specific child for sponsorship, please fill out the sponsorship form and one of our team members will contact you with additional information.

How do I stay in contact with my sponsored child?
Mogra Star encourages sponsors to stay in regular touch with their sponsored child. It would be ideal for you to write your child first, enclose a picture. And give him/her a brief description of you and your family. Since children at Mogra Star are impoverished, they often face difficulties in maintaining frequent communication with their sponsors. First, English may not be their native tongue although my middle school, most tend to be fluent. Secondly, access to stamps, paper, envelopes, etc may be difficult. However, Mogra Star tries to ensure that sponsored children write at least two letters every year to their sponsors. Upon the increased availability of funds which will allow the organization to purchase computers, Mogra Star also intends to enable sponsored children to communicate with their sponsors electronically.

Can I send gifts to my sponsored child?
If you wish to send gifts to your sponsored child, we recommend that you send items which your child can utilize daily such as books, pencils, book bags, bed pads, or personal hygiene supplies. Mogra Star discourages sponsors to send money directly to their child as he/she may be taken advantage of by others. If you wish to send money to your child, we recommend that you send no more than $10-15 directly to Hannah Njoroge who will ensure that these funds are utilized for your child’s benefit. For Mogra Star’s mailing address, please visit the Get Involved page.

Can I donate to Mogra Star without sponsoring a child?
Due to the large number of unsponsored children, Mogra Star is in desperate need of funds and any contribution you can make to the organization will be greatly appreciated. You may choose to contribute either to a general purpose fund or towards the construction of Mogra Star’s new facilities. Upon submission, you will receive a receipt via mail for tax purposes.

How can a trip to Mogra Star be arranged and how much will this cost?
Mogra Star has arranged for sponsors to visit Nairobi in the past and a trip can be arranged through our office. We encourage sponsors to visit Mogra Star Academy if possible as we believe that this will be a significant event for your sponsored child and will provide them with great encouragement. Usually, we have arranged trips for small groups (5-8 people) but would be happy to make arrangements for individuals or couples. Excluding airfare and visa fees, we estimate that costs range from $400 per week upwards. However, we will be glad to work with you to accommodate your budget.

Whom do I contact for volunteer work at Mogra Star?
In order to keep overheads low, Mogra Star seeks to utilize volunteers wherever possible and we welcome participation from anyone who is passionate about working with children. Typically, volunteers assist with child-care, teaching, medical needs, administration, fundraising, or carpentry and whether you wish to volunteer for an extended period or only for a few weeks, we will be glad to accommodate your availability. In most cases, Mogra Star will provide food and simple accommodation in or near the Academy for volunteers for a small fee. If you wish to volunteer, please contact us or e-mail info@mograstar.org and we will provide you with additional information as well as contact information for current and former volunteers so that you can learn about their experiences.