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Sponsor a child

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$40
per month

That’s all it takes to help a child and their community overcome poverty. Provide them with a secure home environment, regular meals, clean water and an education.

Beyond the orphanage sponsor and ethiopian child now

Here are some of the children you will help contribute to when sponsoring a child through Beyond The Orphanage.

Roshaun's story

Roshaun, now 14, lost his mother when he was 9 and his father 2 years later. He and his brother could not pay their rent and were evicted from their home. Though his brother was not of age, he began working. Roshaun had to drop out of school. Then, they found BTO.
In his won words: "Now, thanks to BTO, I can learn. I can eat three times a day. I have brothers and sisters at BTO."

Roshaun's Story - Ethiopian Orphan

Berhanu's Story

Berhanu lost his father to HIV/AIDS when he was 4. He and his mother and sister struggled, but he was able to stay in school. Further tragedy struck when he was 8-- his mother passed away, too, and he and his sister went to live with their grandmother. With 5 people living off of one pension, life was hard and the future seemed uncertain. Then he found BTO.
In his own words: "Thanks to BTO, we can see hope and start to think about the future. Before we got into this program, our means of life was
very little so it was hard to eat 1 meal per day. Now I can see bright future for myself and promise to myself and to the project that I will make a difference and wants to be a good citizen for my country."
 

 Berhanu's Story - Ethiopian Orphan

Mariamawit and Temarr's Story

Mariamawit and Temarr have been in their new home with their guardian since September. The house which BTO has rented for them is very close to the office and has a small garden. Here you can see their guardian and social worker in the main room. Temarr has a room of his own and there is a large kitchen at the back. Both children are now in an environment that will help them focus on their studies and we wish them all the best.
 

  

Berta's Story

Berta is very cretive and loves to draw in his free time. His sketch book is almost full now and he shows us his favourite drawing. He thinks he would like to be an engineer or an architect but he is not sure just yet.
 

  

Help a child and their community overcome poverty. For just $40 a month you can get a child off the streets, provide them with a secure home environment, regular meals, clean water and an education.

 

  Frequently Asked Questions

Where does my money go?

The money you donate is used to (fund BTO programs in Ethiopia) the programs enables these young people to become successful, independent adults within their local Ethiopian communities by establishing a safe, stable home preferably with a member of their extended family in-keeping with traditional Ethiopian values. Once this is achieved, we work with each child and his/her guardians to create an individualized success plan within a traditional case management framework. Our work is client-centred and evidence-based.

By working towards mutually agreed upon goals, we help the children develop their strengths and attain self-sufficiency.

Specific case planning involves four outcome areas:

  • education
  • health
  • well-being
  • self-sufficiency

Specific action steps include:

  • provide the material, psychosocial and medical supports required to stabilise living situations;
  • placement in local schools;
  • academic enrichment, including tutoring, to close the achievement gap;
  • community-based development sessions;
  • psychosocial counselling.

After the completion of their education they enrol in a transition phase where they are supported to pursue vocational training, University, or set up a small business. 

As BTO children live in their community, that community will also benefit from the child’s sponsorship

 

Which communities will sponsorship benefit?

The communities in which the children live benefit from sponsorship as it brings in much needed resources to the family and as a result impacts the community around them.

 

How are children selected for sponsorship?

In order to find the children to be included in the sponsorship program, we work with the local government who provide a list of eligible children based on the following criteria that are in the BTO program:

  • All children must be between 10 years and 18 years and within primary education;
  • The child must be a double orphan;
  • And the child must not be receiving any other support from other service
  • BTO has no bias to physical, mental health, race or religion in selection of children

How long will my sponsorship last?

Your sponsorship is only limited by the time you chose to provide funding and that child is in the BTO program. Our hope would be that you continue to be part of the BTO community for some time.  We have a long term commitment to the orphans of Ethiopia and we rely on generous donors to sustain our goals.

 

How is BTO different from other organisations?

BTO is very different from other sponsorship organisations in that we focus on providing children with a secure, family home environment. We aim to place the child within the home of a caring extended family or local community member.

This objective makes a huge difference to a child's life. Research has shown that children living as part of a family unit have significantly higher psychological and social wellbeing than forms of child care.

In addition, BTO is non-religious and non-political. We have no agenda other than helping children to realise their potential.

 

What do sponsors receive?

To establish and maintain a connection as a sponsor, we like to keep our sponsors as involved as they would like to be.

We like to keep sponsors engaged with our work and their sponsored child’s wellbeing.

As a sponsor you receive:

  • a welcome kit with a sponsored child introduction containing photos and an overview of where your sponsored child lives
  • a six monthly update on your sponsored child, their family and community

Can I visit my sponsored child?

We think visiting a sponsored child is a wonderful experience and we will help you arrange this.  Given logistical issues, any planned trips should be notified to us as early as possible so that we can ensure you get the most out of your trip.

At BTO we take child protection very seriously there is a process to go through before we can confirm a visit is allowed which includes police checks. All visits are supervised by BTO staff in Ethiopia.

 

Can I choose the child that I want to sponsor?

When you decide to sponsor you will be asked for your preference reference to age and gender. If you are happy for us to select a child on your behalf we can locate a child with the greatest need.

 

What are my payment options?

If you are an Australian resident (or have an Australian bank account), you are able to pay by direct debit or by credit card. If you are not resident in Australia, your payment is processed through your credit card.

 

BTO’S commitment to child protection

BTO recognises that by the nature of our work, we are at risk of being targeted by those wanting to exploit or harm children.

BTO considers child abuse unacceptable in all circumstances and is committed to ensuring that all possible and necessary steps are taken to acknowledge the rights and protection of all children (a person under the age of 18 years) that we work with.

Therefore we have put in place clear policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure children are respected, protected, empowered and active in their own protection; and staff are confident, competent and well supported in meeting their protection responsibilities.

Questions?

If you have any further questions please contact us.

Contact Us at Beyond the orphanage to sponsor and ethiopian child