SPONSORSHIP FAQs

  • Women For Women in Africa is an Australian not-for-profit charity founded in 2004. We work to break the cycle of poverty by providing education and training through sponsorship. Our beneficiaries are children and women from Kibera, Africa’s largest slum. WFWIA is 100% volunteer-run.

  • WkW is our Kenyan partner organisation, led by Sr Leonida Kwamboka and her dedicated team of educators and welfare workers. Based on the edge of Kibera, WkW operates the WkW Centre, Salama House (a safe haven for vulnerable girls), and Otiende House (a venue for women’s training and home for at-risk boys).

    WkW builds trust within the community, identifying needs and offering holistic, locally informed support. Their mission: empower through education, not charity—providing a “hand up,” not a “handout.”

  • Sponsorship transforms a child’s future by funding their education and essential needs. It covers:

    • School fees and learning materials

    • Uniforms, shoes, toiletries

    • Meals and accommodation where needed

    • Transport, counselling, and case management

    • Access to WkW’s holiday programs and informal education

    Each child is supported by a case worker who ensures their safety, wellbeing, and school progress.

    • Primary School: Years 1–6. Education is technically free, but costs like uniforms, books, meals, and transport make it inaccessible for many. Students take the KCPE exam at the end.

    • Secondary School: Years 7–12. School selection is determined by KCPE scores, not geography. Many students travel long distances to attend. Fees remain prohibitive for most Kibera families.

    • Tertiary/Post-Secondary: Includes vocational, diploma, and university programs. Entry is competitive and costly.

  • WkW prioritises the most vulnerable children—those facing crisis, extreme poverty, health issues, or unsafe environments. Each case is assessed through interviews and home visits.

    Families are informed of the program and agree to participate responsibly. Children are placed on a waitlist until matched with a sponsor. While they wait, many attend informal schooling at WkW.

  • YES.  WFWIA assigns only one sponsor per sponsored child. The sponsor can be an individual, group of friends or work colleagues or company.

    • A profile of your sponsored child, including a photo and background

    • Educational progress and health updates (when available)

    • Regular newsletters about WFWIA and WkW programs

    • Opportunities to exchange letters, photos, and cards via WFWIA

  • Yes! Letters and emails mean the world to the children. Many come to refer to you as Mum or Dad. Send your letters to:

    • ✉️ Post: WFWIA’s mailing address (see Contact Page)

    • 📧 Email: wkw.kibera@gmail.com (include the child’s name in the subject line)

    Note: All correspondence is opened and reviewed to ensure child safety.

  • No. All contact must go through WFWIA and WkW to protect both sponsor and student. If contacted directly, please notify us immediately.

  • Yes—but please check with us first at info@womenforwomeninafrica.org.au. Some gifts may be culturally inappropriate or cause tension. Letters and encouragement are highly valued.

  • No. But if you’d like to contribute extra for birthdays, Christmas, or emergencies, contact WFWIA to coordinate support appropriately.

  • No. Our program supports children in their home environments and does not facilitate adoptions.

  • No. We believe the greatest value lies in supporting their wellbeing and education within their own community.

  • Yes! Many sponsors visit and find it deeply rewarding. If interested, contact WFWIA at least 3–4 months in advance (and before booking flights). Visits are best during school holidays.

    • Primary/Secondary student: $1,750/year or $146/month

    • Tertiary student: $2,000–$5,000/year depending on the course

  • 100% of your sponsorship payment goes directly to the WkW Centre to support your student.

  • Ideally from Primary through Secondary school, and sometimes through Tertiary education. Each sponsorship journey is unique—some students begin later due to delays or family circumstances.

  • An invoice is issued annually. Pro-rata options are available for mid-year starts.

    Payment methods:

    1. Bank Transfer: Westpac BSB 033-059, Account No. 660872

    2. Online: Pay Way

    3. Cheque: PO Box 409, Kew VIC 3101

  • Yes. All sponsorships and donations to WFWIA are tax-deductible. Receipts are issued upon payment.

  • We understand life changes. If you need to pause or stop, WFWIA will ensure your child is transitioned to the sponsorship waitlist. Your support—no matter how long—is deeply appreciated.