Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is The African Dream Benefit and what does it do?
A. The African Dream Benefit Incorporated is an independent charity organisation registered in Perth Western Australia under the provisions of the Charitable Collections Act 1946 (Licence No. 21160). The charity was founded in January 2009 to help eradicate poverty through quality education. The African Dream Benefit makes a difference at grassroots level intervening at an individual’s most critical point, their adolescence. We do this through The African Dream Scholarship Fund and educational projects. Currently, our entire team is made up of volunteers. In Australia, the President, Secretary and Treasurer make up the management. In Zimbabwe the Operations Manager ensures smooth operation of our processes that contribute to the running of the projects and the Project Manager coordinates, implements and oversees projects. The African Dream Benefit is currently in the process of appointing an Advisory Board as part of our efforts in maintaining accountability, checks and balances as well as assist in strategic planning.
Q. Which countries does The African Dream Benefit work in?
A. The African Dream Benefit currently operates in two countries – Australia and Zimbabwe – with the hope of replicating our model in other countries in the future. Our integrated operations on the ground in two continents, means we are able to make a difference at grassroots level. We currently centre our efforts in Zimbabwe, and we have also worked in Kenya.
Q. Who does The African Dream Benefit partner with in Africa?
A. In Zimbabwe we partner with Child Protection Society’s Chinyaradzo Children’s Home, primary schools, secondary schools and other organisations. Currently we have partnered with Monte Cassino Secondary School, Kriste Mambo Secondary School, Macheke Primary School and Traishill Primary School. And in Kenya we have partnered with Akili Dada Organisation.
Q. Where does my money go?
A. Your generous contributions directly go to our scholarship fund and educational projects. Our scholarship fund provides tuition to children who would not otherwise be able to afford it. Our educational projects benefit many children and youth and ensure they have access to educational resources such as books, computers and uniforms.
Q. How much of my donation reaches the children and youth?
A. The African Dream Benefit works hard to minimise costs and has a team of dedicated volunteers. More than 80% of money raised goes directly into our projects and scholarships. The rest goes towards fundraising events that help generate more income and the running of the charity.
Q. How does The African Dream Benefit work against corruption in the countries that you operate?
A. Checks and balances as well as accountability are critical in ensuring corruption does not affect The African Dream Benefit. Our treasurer internally manages all our financial records, and our financial records are also independently audited once a year by Charter Financial Services. The African Dream Benefit also follows the strict guidelines that are required to operate a charity organisation set out in the Charitable Collections Act 1946.
We also work on ground in both Australia and Zimbabwe. This allows us to manage all our projects from beginning to end ensuring all money raised reaches those it is intended for.
Q. I would like to make a monthly/yearly donation. How can I do this?
A. If you would like to make a regular monthly or yearly donation, please contact us for more information.
Q. How can I sponsor a scholarship?
A. You can sponsor by simply filling in the sponsorship form.
Q. Do I get a progress report of my sponsored child?
A. At the end of each school year you will be sent the school results and other relevant updates of your sponsor child.
Q. Can I share a sponsorship with another donor?
A. If you and a friend, colleague or family member would both like to sponsor a scholarship together and share the costs, we can arrange this for you. Please contact us to make this arrangement.
Q. When are my next sponsorship fees due?
A. We encourage you to pay for the scholarship in a one off payment. However, if you choose to pay for the scholarship once a year, your sponsorship fees are due 12 months after commencement of your sponsorship. A reminder email will be sent to you at least two weeks before the next fees are due. This email will remind you of the methods of payments as well as the amount of the sponsorship.
Q. What if I cannot make a sponsorship payment?
A. It is important to provide consistent payments as the student’s education heavily relies on your financial support. If you cannot make a payment it is important to advise The African Dream Benefit immediately.
Q. How do I update my payment details?
A. If your payment details have changed, please contact us as soon as possible to change your details.
Q. May I send a gift or letter to my sponsored student?
A. You are not expected to send a gift, however you can. We only encourage sponsors to send a small gift to congratulate your sponsored student of an improved school report or just for encouragement. We advise that you keep gifts small, simple and practical. Contact us if you would like to send a gift. You are also welcome to communicate with your sponsored student. We encourage you to post a letter, however you may also send an email. Please note that the students may not have an email. For this reason, posting a letter is more exciting and practical for them. You can post the letter to:
[Students Name]
Po Box 1253
Innaloo, 6918
Western Australia
Q. Can you tell me more about the Zimbabwean school year and education system?
A. Zimbabwe’s education system consists of 7 years of primary and 6 years of secondary schooling, before students can enter tertiary institutions. On average pupils enter Secondary school at the age of 13 years and complete Form 4 or Form 6 at 16 and 18 respectively.
At secondary school there are two terminal examinations: The “Ordinary Level Certificate Examination” taken after four years of secondary education and the “Advanced Level Certificate Examination” taken after six years.
At Ordinary Level pupils required to pass a minimum of 5 subjects, which should include, English, Mathematics, Science, History or one of the Technical/Vocational subjects so as to earn a full certificate.
At Advanced Level a minimum of two subjects is required for a full certificate.