Here at New Life, we have a long-standing relationship with a church and school in Clarens, South Africa. We have assisted with building work both financially and physically, by sending teams to help with building projects. Many of our congregation give to the school regularly or sponsor a child. Should you wish to give a one-off or regular donation to the school, click the Donate below and under 'Fund' choose 'Sponsorship - Dihlabeng School'.

 

Here is an excerpt from their sponsorship page:

 

"At Dihlabeng Christian School we celebrate everything that is good about the children’s personalities, talents and achievements but photographs can sometimes be misleading. The majority of the children cope with difficult circumstances at home caused by poverty, sickness (HIV) and unemployment. Some do not have any birth certificates or ID papers, making access to education and social grants very difficult. Many are orphans having lost one or both parents; the school, therefore, becomes their extended family. The majority of pupils are sponsored for all or part of their school fees by people in the UK, Dubai, Germany, the USA and South Africa.

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How YOU Can Help: The Sponsorship Programme

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Dihlabeng Christian School is registered with the South African government as an Independent Primary School and, as such, receives a small quarterly subsidy from the state. Some parents pay the full cost of school fees, whilst those of needy children only pay a small token fee, which differs according to individual circumstances.

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Sponsorship is sought for the majority of the children who attend the school. Children spend 9 years overall at Dihlabeng School, from Grade RR to Grade 7. Sponsorship can be a commitment for the whole period or for part of the time, whichever you request. The children in Grade RR class (pre-school) of the Foundation Phase is not included in the child sponsorship scheme but we still need funding for its support.

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The neediest children require full sponsorship (£50.00 or 1,000 Rand per month), whilst others need partial sponsorship (£25.00 or 500 Rand per month) for 12 months. This will help to cover their school fees only, it does not cover uniform and stationery.

While these amounts are preferable, any amount given towards school fees will help a child and it will also help a family to feel supported and valued.

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As a child sponsor, you will be allocated a specific child. You will be sent a copy of the child’s school report twice a year, plus letters and small pieces of work done by the child. A picture of your child will be sent to you each year. The coordinators of the sponsorship programme will also produce a newsletter and keep you informed of school news. While every effort will be made to keep each sponsor with the child allocated to them, circumstances may change and it will be at the discretion of the Principal and the Coordinator to reallocate funding where appropriate. You will be advised of any changes."

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