+ What is a Grace Partner
Neema is the Swahili word for grace. So naturally, our Grace Partners are those who commit to support a particular young woman, either monthly or annually, during her time as a student at Neema. By financially partnering with us you are directly investing in our mission to provide restoration, education, and transformation in the life of a vulnerable young woman in Kenya. This mission is acted out by giving the students an opportunity to experience unconditional love, have a safe space to heal from trauma through counseling, and acquire essential life and vocational skills to help her to be self-sustaining.
Our hope is that you find being a Grace Partner to be a symbiotic relationship. While you are investing in the life of another through finances, prayer and encouragement you, in turn, are being prayed for, encouraged and befriended by a beautiful soul on the other side of the world.
+ Why are there multiple Grace Partner levels
Relationships are at the heart of Neema, and we understand that not every individual or family can afford to cover the full $120 monthly amount that it takes to support one student. We want to give everyone the opportunity to partner however they can, so we have three levels: $120/full, $80/partial, or $40/partial. If $120 monthly is not an option for you, please consider one of the other amounts and maybe ask a friend or family member to join you. If you would like to cover partial sponsorship, please know that someone else will be partnering with you to cover the entire cost. “It takes a village to raise a child” is a true and wise African proverb, and we hope that our love for community is clearly communicated in our sponsorship model.
+ What is the length of commitment for a Grace Partner
It is our hope that, once connected, each Grace Partner would continue to support their student by investing in the relationship for the duration of the three year program. As long as your student is at Neema, your commitment is automatically renewed at the end of each year. Should your circumstances change, you can reach out to us at any time to alter your level of partnership.
+ How are the Grace Partner funds used
All donations made through our Grace Partner Program go directly to cover the costs of food, health care, clothing, school uniforms and supplies, financial and business leadership development, a portion of exam fees (up to 3 national certification exams); providing our students with what they need to grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
+ How much of my money goes to my student
100% ! Neema does not take out any administrative costs from our Grace Partner program. This 100% sponsorship model is made possible by private donors, foundations, and other supporters who cover other programming costs, salaries, supplies, and other expenses. Their investments fuel Neema’s long-term mission of providing an environment where the young women experience healing that brings transformation to their hearts, their families, and their communities for the glory of God.
+ Why do you provide residential housing for your students and isn’t that expensive
Yes, but it's essential. We’ve learned over the past few years that in order to keep our students safe and allow them the ability to consistently come to school, we need to provide a nurturing environment for them to live. It also provides an opportunity for the students to learn and put in practice life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and parenting.
+ How long are the students in the program
Our Neema students are invited into a 3 year program where they will sit for the National Certification Exams after completing studies in years one and two. The third year focus is on-the-job experience and business/finance training. This can happen through different avenues: working in our Neema shop, joining the team of a local business owner, or venturing out on their own with the support of a family member. The students who work in the Neema shop have an opportunity to earn enough money to purchase their own machine or invest in their own business venture upon graduation. In addition, many of the third year students choose to sit for the highest level national exam, which upon passing, gives them the qualifications needed to teach tailoring and dressmaking.
+ What should I write about
First, use simple vocabulary, making sure to be positive and encouraging. Try mirroring your student's letter back to her. For example, if she shares her name, age, number of siblings, how her family earns income, her favorite scripture and how she is praying for you, then do the same in your response letter. Add a question or two about her favorite food or what she likes to do in her free time. You could also ask her to teach you a few words in Swahili!
+ Can I send a gift to my Neema student
Your gift to your student is your love and encouragement. Unfortunately, harm has been done in the past when well intended individuals provided material goods to those who have little. We want our partnership to focus on what we have in common, what we can learn from each other, and mutual love and respect. However, we do give our Grace Partners the opportunity to provide items like new shoes or fabric for their student as a Christmas gift.
+ Can I visit my Neema student
YES! We love taking our Grace Partners with us to see the work of Neema in person and to meet their student face to face. This is typically done through our annual summer visit where the main focus of this trip is relationship building. We begin to assemble the group for this trip every January and start preparations thereafter. But if you are interested in going you can contact us at any time.
+ How is my sponsorship affecting the life of a young woman in Kitale
The majority of the women in Kenya live under a patriarchal system of oppression. When a young woman comes to Neema she is less likely to become a child bride, indentured servant, or trafficked. At Neema she is also taught about her dignity, value, and worth as a woman through daily devotions, social classes, and group and individual trauma counseling. Our students are invited into a space that encourages them to be vulnerable and begin healing from past wounds which creates the potential to make radical changes in family dynamics, improving how each generation relates to the next.