Everything You Need to Know about AmericaShare Child Sponsorship

Striving to change lives, AmericaShare helps young people in Africa gain an education, which can vastly improve their lifetime opportunities. In this article, we look at how the organization’s child sponsorship program helps at-risk families, inspiring young people to succeed while helping children, families, and whole communities thrive.

AmericaShare was founded on the principle that every child deserves an education

This dedicated group recognizes that by helping children complete their education, they are set on a path toward a successful future, enabling them to meet their basic needs and ultimately support their current and future families.

AmericaShare is the brainchild of Lorna Macleod

An employee of Micato Safaris, Macleod was approached by a little boy in a Nairobi shopping center with a request that would change her life. The little boy was going from person to person, showing them a note that had been written by his headmaster.

The note explained that the boy was an orphan. He needed to raise 700 shillings to attend class, since he could not be admitted without a school uniform. So far, the boy had collected just 100 shillings. Lorna Macleod gave him 600 shillings, the equivalent of $15. The little boy cried, saying “God bless you,” before running away.

Lorna Macleod recognized that her employer, Micato Safaris, was uniquely placed to help people living in some of the most economically challenged areas by connecting them with some of the world’s wealthiest individuals—Micato Safari guests—effectively serving as a bridge between them.

This incident, some 30 years ago now, spawned a new era for Micato Safaris, sparking a shift towards responsible tourism, and the creation of AmericaShare, Micato’s nonprofit giving arm.

Sponsoring a child in a developing nation is a major investment in their future

For an annual fee of $1,750, patrons help children in underserved communities improve their life trajectory and opportunities. Sponsorship continues on an annual basis for as long as the sponsor is willing and able to support the child. These sponsorships create a life-long bond between sponsor and child, with the sponsor receiving regular updates and the two exchanging letters and photos as frequently as they like.

AmericaShare’s child sponsorship program transforms lives

The youngest of four children, Judy Mutile studied under the AmericaShare program. Born and raised in Mukuru, Judy struggled in her younger years. Located in Nairobi, Kenya, Mukuru is home to the country’s second-largest informal settlement.

Growing up in Mukuru is not easy. Parents in the region are often unable to meet the cost of their children’s school fees, so many children often are required to stay at home to carry out household chores, take care of their siblings, or work to bring in extra income. In kind, Judy found herself missing many school days since her mother could not afford to put her four children through school.

Judy noted that on the days she did attend school, if she saw the AmericaShare van, she knew it was going to be a good day. The visitors always arrived with candy, a rare treat at the time, and the children would all sing and dance with joy.

When Judy was 8, she was enrolled in a good boarding school on the outskirts of Nairobi. She explained that although the transition was challenging due to her young age, she was excited and had a passion for learning that started her off on a whole new life journey.

Judy suddenly had much more time to study and to explore and dream, with less responsibly and worry. While she had lacked schoolbooks at her Mukuru school, at boarding school, life was much more comfortable. Judy’s Mukuru home lacked electricity, and her mother frequently struggled to put food on the table. At boarding school, her standard of living was good, and she had plenty of time to study.

Relating her story on the AmericaShare website, Judy expressed her gratitude to her sponsors for the tremendous journey that led her through primary and high school and on to pursue a university degree in corporate communication and management.

AmericaShare has had a huge impact on families affected by HIV/AIDS—and now COVID-19

The organization has realigned its focus for 2020 in response to the COVID-19 crisis, supporting families and schools throughout Africa by distributing face masks to stem the spread of the disease.

With many families facing unemployment and significant financial hardship, AmericaShare has developed plans to deliver non-perishable food items such as flour, cooking oil, rice, and beans to families in critical need of food.

In South Africa, AmericaShare is committed to continuing its vital educational services, such as connecting children with learning resources via WhatsApp and distributing books and study guides to keep students connected with the learning community.