BeadforLife Vocational Training Program FAQ's

<TOP>Why sponsor a Vocational Training Program student?

Hundreds of young, hardworking Ugandans have had to drop out of school to care for sick parents, flee from conflict, or take on menial work to survive.
 
When you fund a student’s vocational training, you give an individual a second chance at valuable knowledge and skills, enabling him or her to earn a living with pride and dignity.  Vocational training provides an opportunity for a Ugandan to afford housing, food for their family, health care, and school fees for younger siblings.  They will also be able to send their own children to school, breaking the cycle of poverty that affects 40% of the people on the planet today. 

BeadforLife firmly believes that every contribution, no matter how large or small, makes a difference. Join us in helping Ugandans lift themselves out of poverty.

<TOP>What is Vocational Training?

Vocational training prepares students for employment directly related to a trade.  Popular choices in Uganda include catering, tailoring, beauty school and hairdressing, carpentry, computer skills, automotive repair, electrical repair, business skills and secretarial training.

<TOP> How does BeadforLife identify students for the Vocational Training Program?

BeadforLife partners with local non-profit groups and other community organizations that refer bright and enthusiastic young adults who would benefit from our Vocational Training Program. 
All potential students are interviewed and visited in their homes by a BeadforLife staff member who evaluates their living status and assesses their motivation for enrolling in the program.
BeadforLife targets young people who:
  • Are from impoverished families, commonly live in crowded, unsanitary conditions with relatives or friends, and often eat only one meal per day.
  • Are between the ages of 15-26.
  • Have failed to complete school due to the illness or death of a parent, or dropped out because they needed to work at menial jobs to survive.
  • Are motivated to take advantage of the opportunity, work hard, and lift themselves out of poverty.

<TOP>How much does it cost?
Sponsoring a student generally costs between $1,000 and $2,000, and depends on the specific course the student enrolls in.  This is calculated to cover all requirements and necessities for the duration of a student’s course.  

<TOP>Can I make a smaller/partial donation?

Yes.  You can donate any amount to the Vocational Training Fund which accumulates donations until the level required for a sponsorship is reached. At that point we select a student who has been waiting to be enrolled in their course.  At this time we are not able to accept partial donations for a specific student.  Please see below for Payment Options.

<TOP>How are sponsorship fees calculated, and how will my money be spent?

Sponsorship fees vary among students depending on the course.  Fees are calculated to cover costs over the duration of a course. These costs include:
  • Course fees.
  • Books and equipment. In Uganda, schools do not allow attendance without these.
  • Transport money.  Although we do our best to match students with local institutions, daily travel is normally required to attend school. Without transport money, students could not afford to attend school.
  • Lunch for full time students.  BeadforLife recognizes that students cannot reach their full learning potential on an empty stomach.  For students in full-time courses, BeadforLife makes arrangements with the school to provide lunch.

BeadforLife covers all the administrative costs associated with the Vocational Training Program.  100% of your contribution directly benefits the student you sponsor.

<TOP>What are my payment options?

You can make donations to the Vocational Training Fund (up to $1,000) on our website by PayPal/credit card.  You can also make donations of any amount by credit card over the phone (+1 303 554 5901), or via a mailed check.

Checks for small donations to the Vocational Training Fund can be made payable to BeadforLife Vocational Training Program.  For individual sponsorships, please note the student’s name in the memo line.  Send to:

BeadforLife Vocational Training Program
1143 Portland Place, Suite 1
Boulder, CO 80304

<TOP>Can my workplace, school, or organization sponsor a student?

Of course!  Assisting a young Ugandan towards a better future is a wonderful contribution.  Donations and sponsorships from both individuals and groups are welcome.
<TOP> Can I communicate with the student I sponsor?

BeadforLife supports and encourages contact between students and their sponsor(s).  Students often treasure letters and photos as evidence that someone cares and believes in them.In the interest of security and privacy, we ask that you do not provide contact details to students in Uganda.  We understand the significance of correspondence between you and your student and are happy to transport mail to Uganda on your behalf, sending letters with staff members and volunteers who travel there. 

<TOP> What happens after students graduate?

BeadforLife continues to monitor and support vocational training graduates, as well as provide minor resources associated with a job search or starting a small business.
There may be opportunities to provide students with a one-time start-up grant to purchase supplies or equipment for their new trade.  Please contact us if you would like to provide your student with a start-up grant.
After graduation, we cannot facilitate contact between the sponsor and graduate, or assist with money transfers. However, BeadforLife can provide you with their direct contact information. 
BeadforLife’s philosophy is to provide people with the tools to lift themselves out of poverty rather than sending direct aid, and we strongly advise you to consider this if you receive additional requests from graduates for money to be privately sent to Uganda. 

 

<TOP> How successful are graduates of the Vocational Training Program?

The Vocational Training Program is a relatively new program and will graduate our first official cohort in 2008.  However, the students currently enrolled in Vocational Training courses have undergone monumental changes in their self-confidence levels and leadership capabilities.  Several students have been inspired to campaign for places in their school governments and have successfully been elected into a variety of leadership positions.  We believe this new sense of empowerment and self-belief, along with the valuable knowledge and skills they are learning, will lead them to create successful lives after completing their courses.

In the future we plan to do ongoing evaluation of the program, including tracking the success of graduates through surveys and occasional meetings.  We hope to continue to engage and inspire graduates, and to offer support as they continue their journey into sustainable earning.  We also hope to involve Vocational Training alumni to share their experiences with newly enrolled students and assist with BeadforLife workshops. 

<TOP> What happens if a student drops out?

It is very rare for students to drop out of our Vocational Training program due to our rigorous enrollment requirements, but occasionally life circumstances interfere.   If this occurs, you will be notified and your sponsorship will be transferred towards assisting another student.  You will not be asked for any additional funds..

<TOP> Do students contribute back to their community?

BeadforLife believes that providing Ugandans with the resources and tools to lift themselves out of poverty is a more effective method of assistance than giving direct handouts.  Therefore, we make it a requirement that all students give back to their communities in some way.  Examples of this in the past include planting foliage in the BeadforLife Village and tutoring young students.
<TOP> Is my donation/sponsorship tax deductible?

Yes!  BeadforLife is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (tax ID: 20-1683139) so donations are deductible to the extent of the law.