Sponsorship
Overview of the Sponsorship Program
In the village of Sijowa, where COCE’s community library is located, and in neighboring villages, education is a dream that few can afford. Secondary school and higher education remain out of reach for many young people simply due to financial constraints. For many youth, the dream of pursuing education is what keeps them motivated and hopeful for a brighter future, while the loss of access to schooling can be devastating, leaving them with limited options. In these communities, nearly 60% of the population is made up of youth, yet many have no means to pay for their schooling. The need is overwhelming, with hundreds of children waiting for the chance to continue their education.
Our Approach: Identify Sponsor-First, Child-Second
At COCE, we are committed to ensuring that every sponsorship can make a real, lasting impact. Rather than building a long list of children waiting for support, we work to find committed sponsors first, ensuring that children’s hopes are only raised when we are certain we can support them. This sponsor-first approach allows us to focus on quality and reliability in each sponsorship relationship, providing students with the resources and support they need to stay in school, succeed academically, and pursue higher education or a meaningful career.
Sponsorship Options
Whether you’re able to fully sponsor a child or make a contribution to co-sponsor a child, by supporting COCE’s Sponsorship Program, you’re helping transform lives in Sijowa and surrounding villages—giving young people hope and the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty through education.
Educational Sponsorship Options
Impact of Sponsorship Dennis, one of COCE’s sponsored students, exemplifies the transformative power of sponsorship. With COCE's support, he completed his degree in civil engineering, now runs his own business, and was hired by a local school to design a new facility. In addition, Dennis is the principal engineer for COCE’s community library project, creating a resource that will serve his community for years to come. His journey shows how sponsorship not only changes individual lives, but also empowers graduates to uplift their communities.
Become a Sponsor
Ready to make a difference? Click the button below to fill out our sponsorship form. Together, we can transform lives and build brighter futures.
Sponsorship FAQ’s
What does my sponsorship cover?
When you fully sponsor a child, your support covers essential educational and personal needs to help them succeed in school. The sponsorship includes:
● Tuition Fees: Ensures uninterrupted school attendance.
● School Supplies and Books: Provides materials needed for learning.
● Uniforms and Hygiene Essentials: Offers items that are often required for school attendance.
● Transportation: Supports children in rural areas who have difficulty reaching school.
We offer different sponsorship tiers, so you can choose a one-time, monthly, or yearly contribution to support these costs.
How does sponsoring a child benefit them?
Sponsoring a child provides essential resources that help them stay in school and overcome financial barriers that often prevent continued education. Many children don’t pursue higher education because of additional costs beyond primary and secondary school. With sponsorship support, children can focus on their studies, gain confidence, and build a brighter future, increasing their chances of graduating and possibly continuing on to higher education or meaningful employment. Your sponsorship helps them break the cycle of poverty and opens up new possibilities for their future.
Can I communicate with the child I’m sponsoring?
Where appropriate, however, we discourage direct communication between children and sponsors primarily due to logistical challenges and the protective policies of their schools.
How long is the sponsorship commitment?
If you are sponsoring a child, we ask that you commit to sponsoring them for four (4) years. This will ensure that they can complete their secondary education. Ideally, a sponsor would remain with this child until their educational goals are complete, which could include postsecondary training or education. However, we recognize that this might not be desired or possible which is why we ask for a 4 year commitment.
What happens if I can no longer sponsor the child?
We understand that circumstances can change, and we deeply appreciate the sacrifices of our sponsors. If you're unable to continue your sponsorship, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible. This helps us take timely action to find another sponsor to ensure the child’s education is not disrupted.
What if I do not want to sponsor a child by myself but do want to support children's educational success?
If you would like to support educational success but cannot commit to fully sponsoring a child, simply complete the “Become a Sponsor” form and specify the amount you are able to contribute and the duration of your support. This information will help us allocate your contribution to benefit a child or children in need.
How is my donation used in the program?
Your donation is primarily used to cover the educational needs of the sponsored child including tuition, school supplies, transportation, and other essentials. A small portion is allocated to administrative costs to ensure the program runs efficiently and effectively.
Will I receive updates on the child’s progress?
We try to share updates on the child’s progress where appropriate. These updates may include information about their academic achievements, what they are learning in school or other milestones. However, due to privacy and logistical reasons, the timing and detail of these updates may vary.
What is the process for selecting children for sponsorship?
We select children based on financial need, academic potential, and the barriers they face in accessing education. Once a sponsor is identified, our team works closely with local communities to identify children who would benefit most from the program.
How can I be sure my contribution is making a difference?
In addition to receiving updates, we share success stories and blogs that showcase the positive changes sponsorship makes in children’s lives. Sponsors are able to see firsthand how their support leads to measurable results.
Are there any restrictions on how funds are used?
Yes, funds are strictly designated for the child’s education and related necessities. This ensures that donations are used solely to benefit the child’s academic journey and well-being.
Can I sponsor more than one child?
We do not limit the number of children that someone sponsors. This might prompt a discussion so that we can be sure that sponsors are able to financially commit to each child for the four year period.