FAQ
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What is the mission of Gakundi Memorial Foundation?
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Gakundi Memorial Foundation funds high school education for bright students from underprivileged backgrounds in rural Kenya. We focus on the critical primary-to-secondary transition the moment when most academic potential is lost simply because families can't afford the fees. Our work bridges that gap, one student at a time, all the way to graduation
How does the sponsorship program work?
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When you sponsor, you're matched with one named student. Your contribution covers a full year of their secondary education: fees, books, uniform, meals, and the basics they need to focus on school. We send you their school photo, termly academic results, and updates from our team in Kenya.
Sponsorship is renewed yearly. Most donors stay with the same student through graduation (3 to 4 years depending on the curriculum), which is the most meaningful arrangement for the student. You can step back at any year — we'll find another sponsor without disrupting the student's schooling.
How are students selected?
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Students are selected through a structured process:
Local identification in villages and primary schools
Academic evaluation
Family financial assessment
In-person interviews
Each year, a team of local and international volunteers conducts interviews in Kenya to ensure fairness, merit, and need.
We prioritize:
Academic potential
Financial vulnerability
Gender balance
Students transitioning to high school
How much does it cost to sponsor a student?
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A full sponsorship is CHF 500 per year per student. That covers:
School fees (boarding, day school, or private as appropriate)
Books and learning materials
Uniform
Meals during term
Sanitary supplies (for girls)
A small allowance for transport home during school holidays
100% of your contribution goes directly to the students. Our administrative overhead — kept at around 7% — is funded separately.
Can I communicate with the student I sponsor?
Yes, We encourage human connection while protecting the child’s privacy and dignity.
Depending on the program year, you may:
Receive letters or updates
Send encouragement messages
Follow academic progress
We aim to build meaningful, respectful connections., We encourage human connection while protecting the child’s privacy and dignity.
Depending on the program year, you may:
Receive letters or updates
Send encouragement messages
Follow academic progress
We aim to build meaningful, respectful connections.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Tax deductibility depends on your country of residence.
Please contact us directly for guidance specific to your situation. We provide the necessary documentation where applicable.
What makes Gakundi Memorial Foundation different?
Direct student sponsorship
Small, highly selective cohorts
Field presence and personal involvement
Academic follow-up beyond just paying fees
Focus on high school transition (where dropout risk is highest)
We are not a mass charity We are a focused, impact-driven foundation.
Can companies partner with the Foundation?
Yes, we work with:
Corporate sponsors
Employee giving programs
CSR initiatives
Education-focused partnerships
Companies can sponsor multiple students and receive structured impact reporting.
How can I get involved beyond donating?
You can:
Sponsor a student
Volunteer skills (communication, design, fundraising)
Become an ambassador
Help us connect with schools or sponsors
Education is a collective effort.