If you are thinking of becoming a Rafiki Mwema sponsor, our answer is YES! Do it! Through this selfless action you will be directly changing the lives of the children in our care now and for generations to come. There are also many personal benefits to becoming a Rafiki Mwema sponsor as explained by our FIRST EVER sponsor Angela. Read on for her story…
Every month we pay AU$45k just to keep our doors open. Behind these doors is where we care for children who have experienced immense trauma. We provide a loving, safe space for them to heal and provide them with the chance to live a heathy and productive life. We do not receive any government funding and rely solely on the generosity of sponsors and donors, just like you. It is with your help we can meet our running costs and fund projects that help transform the lives of these children.
Angela is one such person. She has sponsored the children at Rafiki Mwema since 2014 and was our very first sponsor. The importance of her involvement to our children can be best explained by watching this video, taken when they were told of her support. WATCH NOW.
How does your chosen sponsorship work?
I currently sponsor two children every month, which is a total of $100. The money comes out of my account on the same day each month and I receive a tax invoice via email. At the end of the tax year I’m able to claim the payments as a deduction on my tax return. When I first became a sponsor the $50 was a lot for me to donate each month. But six years later I am able to comfortably donate $100 per month and I support some of the other Rafiki projects (such as the Rafiki Feeding Program).
What initially attracted you to Rafiki Mwema?
I met Sarah via a mutual friend. I was organising a fundraiser for another charity and wanted some advice from her. She told me about Play Kenya and Rafiki Mwema and knew I had to be involved.
What motivates your continued support?
Sarah and Anne-Marie’s passion for Rafiki Mwema and the heartbreaking stories of the trauma suffered by the kids in their care constantly remind me that the small amount I donate can really make a difference. I know where my money is spent, and that the Rafiki team work tirelessly to support the children.
What’s your favourite part of being a sponsor?
When Anne-Marie told ‘Mary’ that she was the first child to be sponsored she was so surprised, excited and happy – she shrieked with joy. Sarah shared the video of her reaction and I burst into tears. Something so small to me made such a huge difference to someone else. Being a sponsor and knowing that it’s not just about the money I’m donating; it’s the sense of worth that you hope the child is feeling. You hope they know they DO matter, that someone they don’t know cares enough to support them through tough times. That’s what keeps me sponsoring and supporting Rafiki Mwema.
We thank you Angela from the bottom of our hearts!
If you’d like to find out more about sponsoring, visit us HERE. With your support we can give every child the chance to live a healthy and productive life.
