ANERA Scholarship Program Frequently Asked Questions

Why is sponsoring students in ANERA’s Scholarship Program important?
Every child’s chance for a successful future depends on a good educational foundation. This is especially true when the society in which they live faces social, political and economic challenges. ANERA’S Scholarship Program ensures that children whose families cannot pay for educational costs are still given a chance.

Children in the Middle East live in an environment of uncertainty. They may see or experience violence first hand. Trained educators at ANERA’s partner schools can help children deal with psychosocial trauma and provide a nurturing school atmosphere. The value of education is always difficult to measure, but when a child is born with special needs, the value of education and training multiplies dramatically.

How much is a scholarship?
A one-year scholarship for one student is $240 or 12 monthly payments of $20. Based on financial need and because of the growing costs of education, students may receive more than one scholarship.

How is my scholarship donation used?
Scholarship donations are sent to the participating schools as an annual contribution. Your scholarship donation pays for a student’s tuition which includes:

• Books and school supplies,
• Support for the teachers and staff, and
• Well maintained classrooms, housing, computer labs, libraries and playgrounds.

Do I need to send in the whole donation before the school year begins?
Summer is the best time to send your donation because it helps schools plan for the coming year. But ANERA accepts scholarship donations at any time of the year. You may also give on a monthly basis using ANERA’s Scholarship Monthly Giving Program, charging the amount you designate to your credit card or through an automatic bank transfer.

Can I choose the student?
Most donors choose to help a child in greatest need. However, you may choose to sponsor a boy or a girl. You may also choose a location – Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon or Jordan – or a specific school. Donors can if they wish continue to sponsor the same child until the child completes the school.

Will you send me anything about the student?
As a Scholarship Donor, you will receive a photograph and biography of your child, background information about your child’s school. You will also receive ANERA’s biannual Scholarship Program newsletter “Planting Hope through Education”, which features stories and updates from all participating schools.

Will I be able to correspond with my student?
We strongly discourage correspondence with sponsored students to avoid disparities in the treatment between students in the school and the program.

What if I change my mind about sponsoring a student?
We ask you to commit to supporting a child for a year. However if your circumstances change, you can suspend your payments at any time by simply contacting ANERA’s Scholarship Program Coordinator by phone at (202) 842-2766, ext. 22 or e-mail omahmoud@anera.org.

How can I be sure my money is reaching the schools and students?
All scholarship donations are kept in a designated fund. Each year the proceeds are sent directly to the participating schools. ANERA is a registered 501 © (3) nongovernmental organization with 40 years of experience working in the Middle East. Staff from ANERA’s Middle East and U.S. offices regularly visit the schools and rigorously monitor and evaluate how the scholarship funds are used.

Can I help a child if I am unable to provide a scholarship?
Your donation to the Scholarship Program, in any amount will help support students in the eight participating schools.

What if I have other questions?
ANERA’s Scholarship Program Coordinator is available to answer your questions or address your concerns. Call Ola Mahmoud at (202) 842-2766, ext. 22, or email omahmoud@anera.org

Date modified: February 2009