Starfish Ministries currently support under-privileged children and students in the Philippines right through from Elementary school to College or University.
Elementary and High School is free but there are many other costs. College and University is not free. Your sponsorship will assist in paying for any school fees, transport, school books, food, uniforms, dental care, and youth camps until he or she graduates. This enables students to gain an education that they otherwise would not be able to afford.
The actual costs incurred are a little higher than what your sponsorship will cover. We deliberately look for poor families who understand and value education for their children as we want to teach them not to be dependent on outside help.
We also have options to support students to attend various Bible College courses should they wish to do so.
Elementary and High School is free but there are many other costs. College and University is not free. Your sponsorship will assist in paying for any school fees, transport, school books, food, uniforms, dental care, and youth camps until he or she graduates. This enables students to gain an education that they otherwise would not be able to afford.
The actual costs incurred are a little higher than what your sponsorship will cover. We deliberately look for poor families who understand and value education for their children as we want to teach them not to be dependent on outside help.
We also have options to support students to attend various Bible College courses should they wish to do so.
Sponsorship Program Outline
Elementary Education
Duration 6 years (through to NZ equivalent of Year 6)
Monthly NZ$ 40.00
Junior High School Education
Duration 4 years (through to NZ equivalent of Year 10)
Monthly NZ$ 50.00
Senior High School Education
Duration 2 years (through to NZ equivalent of Year 12)
Monthly NZ$ 60.00
College/University Education
Duration 2-4 years depending on the course
Monthly NZ$ 70.00
Loyalty Service/Internship
Duration 1-2 years
This is to encourage students to be grateful for the support they have received and to give back by serving others in their community. It is an opportunity to further develop their gifts and talents and to prepare to enter their future careers.
Your sponsorship will cover a maximum of 2 years.
Christian Training Camp CTC (Optional)
Duration 5 yrs
Annual NZ$120
CTC is a 2 week discipleship course run annually during the summer holidays in May. It follows a 5yr curriculum and all students are encouraged to attend from age 15. Your sponsorship will cover the full 5 yr curriculum, it is not an extra cost. However if your student opts not to attend, the funds will be used to assist someone else outside of the sponsorship program.
Bible College options
We currently offer scholarships through Emmaus Bible College, in Bulacan province and Word of Life Bible Institute, Laguna province. This is not included in the main education sponsorship program and is available on recommendation from local pastors and church leaders and as we have funds and sponsors available.
Elementary Education
Duration 6 years (through to NZ equivalent of Year 6)
Monthly NZ$ 40.00
Junior High School Education
Duration 4 years (through to NZ equivalent of Year 10)
Monthly NZ$ 50.00
Senior High School Education
Duration 2 years (through to NZ equivalent of Year 12)
Monthly NZ$ 60.00
College/University Education
Duration 2-4 years depending on the course
Monthly NZ$ 70.00
Loyalty Service/Internship
Duration 1-2 years
This is to encourage students to be grateful for the support they have received and to give back by serving others in their community. It is an opportunity to further develop their gifts and talents and to prepare to enter their future careers.
Your sponsorship will cover a maximum of 2 years.
Christian Training Camp CTC (Optional)
Duration 5 yrs
Annual NZ$120
CTC is a 2 week discipleship course run annually during the summer holidays in May. It follows a 5yr curriculum and all students are encouraged to attend from age 15. Your sponsorship will cover the full 5 yr curriculum, it is not an extra cost. However if your student opts not to attend, the funds will be used to assist someone else outside of the sponsorship program.
Bible College options
We currently offer scholarships through Emmaus Bible College, in Bulacan province and Word of Life Bible Institute, Laguna province. This is not included in the main education sponsorship program and is available on recommendation from local pastors and church leaders and as we have funds and sponsors available.
Please Note:
- The rate quoted above is a flat rate that will remain consistent throughout the duration of your sponsorship, i.e we will not be asking you to increase your sponsorship as your student graduates to a higher level of education. It is likely that there will be general rate increases in the future. This will be communicated to you at the time and will be optional.
- If your student drops out of the program for any reason we will inform you and give you the option to pick up another student.
- On application we will send you an information pack and endeavour to match you up to a child or student as soon as possible. We will try to keep you updated with progress and photos at least once per year.
- We would like you to commit to sponsoring your student for at least one year as it can be difficult finding replacement sponsors mid-year.
- The school year begins at the beginning of June. If you begin mid-year there may be a wait before a student becomes available in which case your funds will be held until the beginning of the following year or until a student does become available and fees are payable.
- We encourage you to write to your student and are very happy to pass on letters and gifts where practical. For your protection, we suggest you don't pass on your contact details direct to your student, in case it gets into the wrong hands.
- You may get the opportunity to meet your sponsored child and his/her family should you come with us on one of our 3 yearly missions trips.