FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for New Sponsors
Why is this program called one student one family?
We believe that all people are interconnected, so while the Sherpa people of Nepal may be halfway around the world to most of us, they are part of our universal family. Each student is important and worthy, and the One Student-One Family program helps create bonds that span the globe and gives students who are eager to learn an opportunity to thrive. Together we are “ONE.”
Why sponsorship?
In Nepal, quality education at the high school level is costly and students from the poorest backgrounds often they cannot afford to go to school. Government run community schools (particularly in the rural areas) often see students leave before the 10th grade which is the critical year for completion to ensure the chance to secure meaningful work. Previously, if a student does not pass the 10th grade exam need to wait a full year to take the test again. The pass rate at the ZOC School is 100%. Now there is more emphasis on the 12th grade exam. It is very difficult to keep students in school beyond 10th grade, but ZOC has been more and more successful at retaining its students.
What commitment do sponsors usually make?
Generally, our sponsors commit to supporting their students from 8th grade until graduation from ZOC School (five years).
What is "half sponsorship"?
Half sponsors contribute $500 per year and are paired with other half sponsors so that together they are fully supporting one student.
What is a full sponsorship?
Full Sponsors contribute $1000 per year. This amount allows the funding of all the costs listed below.
What does sponsorship pay for?
By sponsoring a high school student, you enable us to fund operational costs including teacher and staff salaries, building maintenance and repairs, ground maintenance, school supplies including laboratory supplies and computer access, sports and recreational activities, and all the other essentials that our students need in order to succeed in high school.
WILL I GET TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE STUDENT I SUPPORT?
Of course! Sponsors who commit to supporting a student through high school will receive updates, photos, and letters from their student and general updates from ZOC School. The relationship is two-way, and we ask that sponsors write letters of encouragement to the students they support.
CAN I MEET MY STUDENT OR VISIT THE SCHOOL?
We are hoping to plan a trip for sponsors to visit the Zeke O’Connor School in Phaplu in 2022 pending COVID restrictions. Please stand by for exciting details of this life changing trip!
WHAT FEES DOES SIR EDMUND HILLARY FOUNDATION PAY FOR ONLINE DONATIONS? SHOULD I JUST MAIL A CHECK INSTEAD?
We are developing a special DONATE NOW button on our website that is specifically for the ONE Program. For now, you can make your donation by clicking the DONATE button on our website and then in the section that says “MESSAGE FOR THE SIR EDMUND HILLARY FOUNDATION (OPTIONAL)” please write “One Student One Family Program”
IS MY SPONSORSHIP TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Yes, your donation is 100% tax deductible both in Canada and the U.S. You will receive a tax receipt according to the country in which your donation was made. Thank you!
