Questions

Here are some questions and answers that may be helpful.

Question: Why does Forward Africa Education Trust concentrate on Rwanda?

Answer: Rwanda and its people are known to the trustees as Steve, Jane and David have lived and worked there, and Megan has visited on several occasions.

Question: How many children are you supporting in school?

Answer: We currently finance 20 children

Question: Are you helping both boys and girls?

Answer: Yes we aim for a balance between boys and girls. We currently have a small gender balance in favour of females.

Question: Are your scholarships for primary or secondary aged students?

Answer: We aim to support students through their final three years at secondary school. In Rwanda this is defined as Senior 4, Senior 5 and Senior 6. Students would typically graduate from Senior 6 aged 18 to 20.

Question: How do you select students for scholarships?

Answer: The Forward Africa Education Trust has clearly defined and documented selection criteria that are designed to bring to our attention capable children (those with a good school record) but where their home environment is such that they can not afford to go to school. Typically the students are the children of poor subsistence farmers or city children with only one parent. The local partners see link submit sponsorship forms to the trustees who make the final decision.

Question: How much does it cost to send a child to school for one year?

Answer: It costs approximately £600. This is made up of school fees, school materials (including travel), and local partner stipends and expenses.

Question: What proportion of your income goes on UK administration costs?

Answer: With the exception of money to develop the website and UK bank charges, 100% of our expenditure goes on supporting our students. The UK trustees but not benefit by claiming expenses or draw money for any other reason.

Question: Do all your students go to the same school?

Answer: No. Students go to a variety of different schools. Considerations include where the child’s home is, the quality of teaching of the schools in the region, class sizes and whether the school offers the subjects the student wishes to study.