1.Why should I choose to sponsor a child with GMM Africa?
Sponsoring is a very personal way to support deprived children. Through the child you sponsor, their family and community, you can learn about a culture very different to your own and gain an insight into lives of children growing up in Cameroon. And as a sponsor, you will see the difference you are helping to make. You can sponsor more than one child, but children will only have one sponsor each.
2.What does Goodness and Mercy Missions do?
GMM identifies the needy, orphaned and street children in Cameroon. We then provide them with a home, access to medical facilities, a good education and vocational training. GMM also creates awareness and educates these children on vital issues plaguing the wellbeing of the society, e.g. HIV/AIDS and the dangers of plastic papers.
When someone commits to sponsor a child they pay a monthly sponsorship fee to GMM. This money is used to support their chosen child. We send monthly updates to the sponsor about how their money is being spent and about the well-being of the child.
Sponsoring a child ranges from £10 to £27. However this depends on the child you choose to sponsor, the child's education level, age and the level of sponsorship you wish to commit to. You can refer to each child's profile page in order to view the details of the child.
A full sponsorship usually ranges from £25 to £27. The full sponsorship includes safe drinking water, clothes, food, schooling fees and required equipment and healthcare for the child.
Some of the children have already attained funds for schooling and therefore the required sponsorship for such children is less than the full Sponsorship. These details can be found on the children's profile pages. In such a case where a child does not require full sponsorship, you could choose to sponsor between £10 or £15.
6.Does my money go to one child alone?
Yes. Your money goes directly towards supporting the child you have chosen to sponsor. Each month you will receive an email updating you about how your money has been spent that month, along with details of what your sponsored child has been doing, and how your sponsorship is benefiting them.
7.How do I pay?
The best way to pay for sponsoring a child is through paypal. It is safe and secure, and very easy! Our sponsors have the choice of paying via paypal, either monthly, quarterly, or annually. We will email you a friendly payment reminder one week before your next payment is due, to make it even easier for you. However, if it is not possible for you to use paypal then we do accept cheques through the post.
8.How long should I continue to be a sponsor?
We hope your link with GMM Africa Child and the child you sponsor will continue for a number of years, or until the child you sponsor reaches adulthood. But, if your circumstances change, you can withdraw your support at any time and we will find another sponsor for the child.
9.Can I sponsor a child with my friends and work colleagues?
Yes. We have schools, youth groups and businesses that sponsor a child - or several children, and think that sponsorship is a wonderful opportunity for learning. If you decide to sponsor as part of a school, group or business, it is important that you provide us with a clear point of contact for all our and your sponsored child's communications.
10.How often will I hear from the child I sponsor?
When you first sponsor, you will receive a letter, note or drawing, that we will scan and email to you. You can then choose to write to your sponsored child; many children love communicating and receiving your responses. Through this unique and personal connection you can see for yourself what is happening in their local area. Each month we will send you an update on how your money has been spent and how the child you are sponsoring is benefitting. We want our sponsors to have complete confidence that their money is being well spent, and for that reason we like to keep you informed every step of the way! Please see our Tips on Writing Letters.
11.Can I choose the child I sponsor?
Yes. We feature the children on our website who are currently seeking sponsorship. You can select the child you wish to sponsor and then that child will immediately be taken off the website.
12.How should I choose between a younger child or an older child?
Older children and young adults will generally only need sponsoring for a few years, or even a few months, until they can finish their education and support themselves. Younger children will require sponsorship for a number of years in order to fulfill their potential. Perhaps if you only want to sponsor for a short term then an older child would be a more suitable choice for you.
13.Can I send gifts to the child I sponsor?
Yes! It is a very special day when a child receives a letter or a gift from a sponsor. All we ask is that you consider the child’s siblings in your choice of gift - maybe give something that they can enjoy too. If in any doubt, you can email us and we can suggest a suitable gift, or something that we know the child needs.
14.Can I visit the child I sponsor?
Yes. We welcome and encourage you to visit the child you sponsor. For child protection purposes a field worker will always be present, and they can show you around the community and introduce you to the child you sponsor. All we ask is that you give us two weeks notice before you arrive, so that we can make necessary arrangements. Please note that we also welcome on site volunteers. For more information please see our Other Ways You Can Help page.
There are many ways! Please see our our Other Ways You Can Help page.