Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can so little money do so much – education, food, shelter, medical care?
A: The economy of India is quite different from ours. A few dollars go a long way. The education program also receives help from the Indian government which pays the teachers’ salaries, the Danish government and mission society who built the schools, and the Arcot Lutheran Church.
Q: What ages are the children?
A: As in America, children begin school at age 6 (first standard). In the past children would only continue through the 10th grade (standard) or about 16 years of age as that was considered enough. However, it is becoming more common for children to study through the 12th standard and even continue on to extended studies.
Q: How much of the money actually goes to the children?
A: About 10% of the money is used for administration costs. LPGM has an office in India with three Indian employees. Our office in Minneapolis, MN has only 1 full-time staff and 4 part-time staff. Checks are sent from our office directly to each boarding home manager who provides us with a budget and an accounting of all operations.
In 2006 the LPGM Board of Directors voted to increase the cost of sponsorship from $17 per month to $20 per month or $240 per year. This was the first increase in more than four years. The value of the India ruppee is constantly changing and overall, increasing against the U.S. dollar so in order to provide the same level of care to the children LPGM had to raise the cost of sponsorship. In addition, $10 from each sponsorship will go into a fund designated for vocational or college education for the graduating students who are going on to further studies. This new extended study program is a great opportunity for these students, giving them a chance to learn a skill to support themselves and their families.
Q: How long am I committed as a sponsor?
A: We ask that you commit to at least one year as a sponsor. However, most people continue as long as they are able and perhaps see their child through to graduation and beyond to college, if possible.
Q: Will I have to write to my child?
A: All sponsors are encouraged to build a relationship with their sponsored child. Writing an occasional letter and praying for your child connects you with the child and gives the child the knowledge that someone really cares about him or her. Write as you normally would, the letters will be translated in India. The children are required to respond to each letter that they receive and they are taught to pray daily for their sponsors. Please send your letters directly to our office in India and include the child name and ID number so it will get distributed to the correct school:
Child Name/Child ID Number
LPGM India
Post Bag 59
Cuddalore 607 001
TN South India
Q: Can I send my child gifts?
A: Gifts to the child are not necessary. If you want to send something be sure that it is small and flat and will fit in a letter or card envelope. Larger gifts that are expensive to mail are inappropriate and do not always make it to the child so we do not encourage you to send anything too large. Consider sending a greeting card, picture of your family, stickers, hair ribbons, bookmarks, postcards, a small bracelet or necklace.
Q: Why should I choose Project Education India?
A: We feel confident that LPGM offers a very credible alternative to the larger organizations. A much higher percentage of your money actually reaches the child. Our smaller organization offers a unique opportunity, especially for Lutherans, to connect to a program within their own church.
Q: What happens to these children after they graduate?
A: Some go on to higher education and professions as nurses, doctors, pastors and teachers or Vocational/Technical Training. Others return to their villages, many as community and church leaders who will influence higher standards for education, health and productivity.
Q: What is the Christian emphasis in these schools?
A: Most of the children enter the boarding homes as Hindus. Hindu families will allow their children to be exposed to the Christian faith knowing that they will also receive a very good education. Many children become believers through Bible teaching in Sunday School, and morning and evening devotions. This is a very important mission of the Arcot Lutheran Church.
“…I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was homeless and you gave me a room. I was shivering and you gave me clothes. I was sick and you stopped to visit… As you have done it for the least of these. You have done it to me.”