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Frequently Asked Questions
How much of donated funds go directly to the children and how much are spent on administration?
100% of funds from child sponsorships go directly to the children. SCAI also has general sponsorships which cover general household expenses and ad hoc expenses such as emergency medical care. We fundraise for the land and building fund separately. Administration costs are kept to a minimum (see Annual Report) and all work in Australia is done by volunteers. Nepali administrative costs are closely audited and kept to a minimum.
How do you guarantee the money actually gets there and is really spent on the children and projects as outlined?
Funds are transferred from SCAI Australia to SCAI Nepal, from where funds are disbursed to local partners such as Sunrise Orphanage as needed. Emma Taylor, President of SCAI Australia and Country Director of SCAI Nepal resides in Nepal most of the year, closing monitoring the expenditure of project partners and seeing first-hand how it benefits the children we support.
Are donations tax deductible?
SCAI was endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) in June 2010, so from this date all donations and gifts over $2 are tax deductible.
Can I visit the children if I go to Nepal?
Yes, however you need to organise this with the SCAI team prior to your visit, and sign the appropriate forms and abide by SCAI’s rules and regulations throughout 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. The children receive regular medical and dental checks and treatment, and they receive a good 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?
The Sunrise children continue to receive support from us until they have finished school or college and have comfortably transitioned into an independent life of their own. For some Sunrise is their only family, so we will provide ongoing love, support and guidance and encourage them to reach their full potential in whatever field that may be.
Can the children be adopted?
The children at Sunrise Orphanage cannot be adopted. There are children in institutions in Nepal that can be adopted under the strict adoption laws that govern this process in Nepal. Many children in Nepal may have been abandoned rather than orphaned, and hence have a parent/parents living in Nepal. In these cases, our aim to reconcile these families and re-integrate these children where possible, providing ongoing support for the family by placing the child under our Education Scholarship Program.
What do they learn at school?
The children learn Nepali reading and writing, English reading and writing, mathematics, social and moral sciences, history, geography, general knowledge and art. There is also time for sport and physical development.
What happened to the children’s parents?
Some of our children are in this situation because of the Maoist conflict, some due to poverty or illness of their parents, deeming them are unable to care for their children properly, some have been orphaned through the death of their parents.
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 9 full time Nepali carers that live with the children, undertaking various duties such as, cooking, cleaning, washing and general caretaking. The Chairperson of Sunrise Orphanage visits regularly, and along with the 6 other committee members provide ongoing guidance and support.
