A Deeper Look at Children of the Light Sponsorship Program

Children of the Light was started under Restoring Order Missions International as a way to make a difference for the many young people in Kenya who are suffering from poverty and lack of access to basic education. The program aims to support the most vulnerable in society and to see them overcome the challenges around them to become self - sustained adults who are able to represent the kingdom of God and care for the generation after them. Most of the children in the program  are from very dry regions, orphaned, abandoned or impacted by HIV/AIDS. 

Following are the main avenues through which the program aims to bring a positive impact: 

1. Spiritual growth: COTL emphasizes the child’s need for a personal relationship with Christ through hosting them annually for a five day Bible camp and urging them to an active role in their schools Christian groups and their home church. When possible, COTL also takes the opportunity to assemble all the children in the schools where our children study in order to minister to them 
2. Academic support: COTL pays all school fees for students in the program from primary school through University. Team members also visit students in their respective schools every term/semester to follow up on the student’s well being and academic progress. Students in primary school have their uniform provided for
3. Guardian training: Once or twice per year, COTL meets with guardians in the program to encourage them and help them gain practical skills and ideas on how they can better support their family and the vulnerable children in their care 
4. Christmas gifts: at the end of every year, children in the program receive a food package as well as an additional gift such as a solar lamp, mattress, clothes, bedding, hygiene products or books. The gifts are distributed after a full day meeting with the child and his/her guardian 
5. Additional gifts: the sponsor always has the freedom to send cards, letters, gifts they’ve bought or additional support for practical gifts such as chickens, goats, sheep, cows, beds etc
6. Family support: while COTL does try to avoid handouts, when there is a season of drought or an illness or death in the family, COTL stands with the child and family as best as possible 
7. Missions training: once a student finishes high school, there is a nine month gap before they’re able to join college. During this time, COTL trains them in missions, music, life skills and Biblical foundations for three months after which they are sent to various mission stations for another three months of practicals 

As a sponsor, you will be encouraged to develop a relationship with your child as this relationship and the realization that someone cares for them is pivotal in a child’s life. Following are some of the ways COTL will work to keep you updated on your child’s progress: 

1. Handwritten letters: Each Easter and Christmas every child in the program writes a letter which is then sent to the sponsor 
2. Photos: At least once per year, you should receive a printed photo of the child. When applicable, more photos are sent via email
3. Additional updates: When you send additional support or have any question about the child, you can expect an update and/or photo in response and at times when there is a special happening or event in your child's life, we also do our best to let you know 

For further information on administrative fees and financial policy for this program, please see the bottom of this page: https://rominternational.org/child-profiles