Page Content
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of donated funds go directly to the children and how much are spent on administration?
100% of funds donated to SCAI go directly to support Sunrise Orphanage in Nepal unless otherwise specified by the donor. For example we have been fortunate enough to receive a donation specifically to cover the shipment of goods and other donations specifically to cover some fundraising expenses.
Our management committees in Australia and Nepal are entirely volunteer run. All Australian administrative costs are met by the management committee themselves. Nepali administrative costs are closely audited and kept to a minimum.
How do you guarantee the money actually gets there and is really all spent on the children?
Money is transferred into the Sunrise Orphanage Bank account in Nepal to which Emma Taylor, President of SCAI, and Sangita Bhandari, Chairman of Sunrise Orphanage, are signatories. Receipts are collected for all purchases and bank statements are reconciled on a monthly basis.
We personally keep in direct contact with our Nepali team. At least one SCAI management committee member is in Nepal every year so we see first hand where the money has been spent.
Are donations tax deductible?
Not at this stage. For an organisation to be a tax deductible gift recipient (DGR), they must have been operating for a minimum of 2 years, have raised a minimum of $30k per year, and demonstrate to Ausaid that the charity has been running in an effective and efficient manner. Sunrise Children’s Association has been running since July 2005 and we are well on the way to meeting the necessary criteria. Whilst in the process of applying for Gift Deduction Recipient Status, we can organise for large one-off donations to be tax deductible through another affiliated organization.
Can I visit the children if I go to Nepal?
Yes, of course. You would however need to organise this with the SCAI team in Australia prior to your visit.
What is the general health of the children and do they have access to medical facilities?
The health of many of the children when they first came to the orphanage was very poor. Many suffered from malnutrition, and undiagnosed medical conditions such as jaundice and epilepsy. However, we take all our children for regular medical and dental assessment, and they receive a high quality diet at Sunrise Orphanage. Now those children who were initially ill are flourishing with the extra care and attention they have received.
What happens to the children when they turn 18?
This will not be the end of our support for the Sunrise Children. Sunrise is their permanent family, so the children will have the opportunity to continue living at Sunrise and take on extra responsibilities in caring for the younger children, as in any regular loving family. Similarly we will provide ongoing love, support and guidance and encourage them to reach their full potential in whatever field that may be. Click here for more on our long-term objectives.
Can the children be adopted?
The children at Sunrise Orphanage cannot be adopted. There are many children in institutions in Nepal however that can be adopted under the strict adoption laws that govern this process in Nepal. Australian adoption law states that unless you have lived outside Australia for 12 months you are not able to choose the child you wish to adopt. Additionally, many of our children still have one living parent in Nepal, so we hope that in the future they may be reconciled or at least have some contact with any living parent/guardian.
What do they learn at school?
The children learn Nepali reading and writing, English reading and writing, Mathematics, Social Sciences, History, Geography and Art. There is also time for Sport and Physical Development.
What happened to most of their parents?
Many of our children are in this situation because of the Maoist conflict. In some cases both of their parents have been killed through this conflict. Other children have only one deceased parent, either through illness or Maoist related, but the remaining parent is simply unable to care for the child, who ends up on the streets.
Are the children with parents or relatives able to visit?
Yes, we encourage family friends and relatives to visit the children. We feel it is important for those with relatives to know that they have family that do care for them but who just have not been able to provide for them.
Who looks after the children at Sunrise Orphanage day to day?
There are 4 full time carers at each Sunrise house, including carers, cooks, cleaners and assistant carers. The Chairperson and committee members also visit regularly to spend time with the children and provide ongoing guidance and support for the live-in staff.
