+ How do I sponsor a child?

a. For new sponsors: Once you have read through the student profiles and found a student you would like to sponsor, click on the blue button underneath the student’s picture that says “Become a Sponsor Now”. After clicking on this button, you will be directed to the student's page. On the left hand side of the page is the payment box where you will have the option to pay the full amount for your student, or to pay monthly. Once you select which option works best for you, click on the ammount, then click continue. Once you completed the process, you will then receive a confirmation email from us, meaning you have successfully completed the donation process and are now a sponsor!

b. For current sponsors: If you are currently sponsoring a student and want to continue to sponsor them for the 2026 school year, click on the button that says, “Renew your Sponsorship” in the top banner of the “Sponsor a Child” page. After clicking on the button, the check-out page will pop up and you will have the option to pay the full amount for your student(s), or to pay monthly. Once you select which option works best for you, select the amount you want to donate then click continue. After you complete the checkout you will receive a conformation email from us!

+ How long does my sponsorshop last?

Sponsorship is done on a year-by-year basis. In August you will be asked if you would like to continue to sponsor your student for the upcoming school year, or if you would like us to find your student a new sponsor.

+ What if I need to make a change to my sponsorship?

You can make changes to your monthly giving anytime. Please contact our Care Team to adjust, delay, or cancel. And because of our on-going commitment to our children from the time of sponsorship through graduation, your child will continue to receive benefits from the program, and we will work to find them another sponsor as soon as possible.

+ Who is Free Haven Community Initiative?

Free Haven Community Initiative (FHCI) is a registered Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) located in Livingstone, Zambia that has four main areas of focus: Education, Nutrition, Health, and Empowerment. In order for the Zambian NGO to be successful, a non-profit organization called Free Haven Community Initiative, Inc. was formed in America to assist its Zambian counterpart. By organizing fundraisers, processing donations, and handling marketing strategies, this partnership makes it possible for the Zambian-based NGO to carry out its day to day functions and focus on its primary goals. The American non-profit is run by a board of directors. The people on this board volunteer their time to make the aforementioned tasks possible. In addition to the American team, the Zambian- based NGO has its own board of directors to manage the organization’s projects in Zambia.

+ What happens if my student drops out or gets removed from the program?

There are several reasons why students may drop out or are removed from the sponsorship program throughout the year. Usually, this is due to students or guardians breaking the Code of Conducts or the student moving away. We handle each case on an individual basis and provide extra support to those that need it as well as give out three strikes to enable them the opportunity to reflect and improve on behaviours. However, despite our best efforts, some students or guardians do not take the program seriously. We want every student to take this opportunity to make the most of the program, so sometimes we may have no choice but to remove students and replace them with another vulnerable student.

Students may be removed or drop out at any point of the year. So what happens when they do? See below for steps that are taken in due circumstance.