How much does it cost to sponsor a child?
If you choose to sponsor a child, the cost is $40 per month for non-boarding students (students who live at home), and $60 per month for students who board at the school.

Where is my money going?
When you sponsor a child, you are paying for their school tuition. This tuition goes to teacher salaries, two meals a day, a uniform, and school supplies. For students who board at the school, you are paying for extra meals, clothes, a "house mom" salary, and medical care, in addition to school tuition. $5 of your monthly sponsorship goes to sponsorship program fees — credit card fees, the cost to maintain a web-based sponsorship platform, as well as the exchange rate. 

Star School is committed to exceptional stewardship. When you make a donation to Star School through this website, all funds go directly to the school, with the exception of a very small percentage going to website and credit card fees. There is no middleman organization keeping a portion of the donation for additional overhead expenses.

What payment do you accept?
When you sign up for an account through our sponsorship platform, you will be asked for a credit card to connect to your "Stripe" account. Stripe is similar to PayPal and will process monthly credit card transactions.

How long should my child sponsorship last?
We hope you choose to remain a child's sponsor until they have completed their education at Star School. However, we understand that a sponsor's circumstances may change. You may discontinue your sponsorship at any time. We will inform you as quickly as possible when your child's graduation date is approaching, as well as any changes in the child's sponsorship status.

How do I communicate with my sponsored child?
Your sponsored child loves receiving communication from you. Unfortunately, the reliability of letters and packages getting to your child are highly unpredictable. Our sponsorship platform allows you to "send an email" to your child. Someone from Star School will print your email and pictures and deliver them to your child as quickly as possible. They will also have an opportunity to write you back. In addition, we are currently developing a system for delivering packages to your child.

Is Star School faith-based?
Yes. Along with core subjects like math, reading, and science, Star School students are taught about Jesus. Many students attend Sunday church at Star School, and participate in worship and Bible study after school. 

Why are there so many "jobless" parents listed on the website?
There's a reason we say that "education changes everything." Some parents listed as "jobless" are elderly or disabled, but the majority of jobless parents are fully capable, bright Rwandans who never received an education. They live by means of inconsistent, temporary jobs. 

Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Star School is part of the American-based nonprofit, Rwanda Shines, a 501(c)(3) organization focused on promoting the well being of the Rwandan people through a sustainable church model. All donations are tax-deductible.

Who founded Star School?
Click here to read about Star School's founder, Nathan Amooti.

I want to visit my sponsored child! Is this possible?
YES! Your sponsored child(ren) would love to meet you. However, we try to be as careful as possible regarding the "how" we introduce sponsors to their children — We want the students to view the sponsorship as an ongoing relationship that will further their global education by learning about and from their sponsors, rather than viewing Westerners as only benefactors who give gifts. If you are interested in visiting Star School, please contact us and we'd love to walk you through how you can meet your sponsored child!