Target Group: The program specifically targets children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who are currently in classes 4 through 10. It aims to support them through their crucial middle and high school years.
Comprehensive Support: Sponsorship covers essential educational expenses, including:
• Tuition fees
• Cost of textbooks and school supplies
• School uniforms
Long-Term Commitment: The ideal sponsorship commitment is for a period of seven years, covering the child's education from class 4 to class 10. This ensures consistent support and allows the child to complete their secondary education without interruption due to lack of funds. This long-term approach is a key feature of the program, providing stability for the sponsored child.
Sponsorship Options: While the preferred option is a 7-year sponsorship, Maria Seva Sangha also welcomes one-time donations or annual contributions, recognizing that sponsors may have varying capacities to give. Smaller donations are also accepted and contribute to the overall program fund.
Transparency and Communication: The program emphasizes transparency. Sponsors receive regular updates about the child they are supporting. These updates typically include:
• Photographs of the sponsored child
• Academic progress reports, detailing the child's performance in school
Tax Benefits: Donations made to the Sponsor-a-Child program are eligible for deductions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, making it financially advantageous for donors.
Impact: The program has been running since 2006 and has demonstrably impacted the lives of numerous children, with over 2,100 children having benefited from the program so far.In essence, the Maria Seva Sangha's Sponsor-a-Child program provides a structured and impactful way for individuals to contribute to the education of underprivileged children in Bangalore, ensuring they have the opportunity to complete their schooling and build a better future. The Maria Seva Sangha's program currently supports 88 students across four schools in Karnataka, specifically three in the Chamarajnagar district and one in Bangalore. The program maintains a gender balance, with 57% female and 43% male student participation.
