Frequently Asked Questions
(http://www NULL.lutheranpartners NULL.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/resized-india-bowls-of-lunch NULL.JPG)Q: How can so little money do so much – education, food, shelter, medical care?
A: It is fortunate that a few dollars go a long way. The boarding homes are a ministry of the Arcot Lutheran Church and the Indian Evangelical Lutheran Church. In addition to support through LPGM, the educational program receives assistance from the Indian government (for teachers’ salaries), the Danish government and the Danish mission society that built the schools.
Q: What ages are the children?
A: Children begin school at age 5 or 6 (first standard). Children study through the 12th standard. More and more students are continuing on to extended studies in a variety of disciplines.
Q: How much of the money actually goes to the children?
A: Your contribution is used in two parts: 85% is sent directly to the project in India and 15% of the contribution is used for administrative costs in our U.S. office.
(http://www NULL.lutheranpartners NULL.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/resized-india-serious-face NULL.JPG)Q: How long am I committed as a sponsor?
A: It is our hope that you will want to support the student(s) for many years. Nearly 400 supporters have been loyal sponsors for more than ten years. We ask that you commit to at least one year as a sponsor.
Q: Will I have to write to my child?
A: There is no requirement to write but 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.
Your letter will be translated in India. The children are required to respond to each letter that they receive. The young children will draw you a picture and the older students will write a response in Tamil which will be translated to English for you. 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 student are not encouraged. If you want to send something be sure that it is small and flat and will fit in a letter or card envelope. Consider sending a greeting card, picture of your family, stickers, hair ribbons, bookmarks, postcards, a small bracelet or necklace.
Large gifts that are expensive to mail are inappropriate and do not always make it to the child.
Please, never send cash to your sponsored student.
If you would like to send an extra amount to us with your sponsorship contribution, we will gladly accept it. These dollars will not go to your specific student(s) but will be added with other sponsor contributions to provide a small gift for all of the LPGM sponsored students which we provide at least once a year.
Q: Why should I choose Project Education India?
A: LPGM offers a very credible alternative to larger organizations. We offer a unique opportunity to connect to a program and the student you sponsor. We host a group trip once or twice a year and if you join us, you will meet the student you support and possibly even his or her family.
Q: What happens to these children after they graduate?
A: Some go on to vocational or technical training. Increasing numbers are attending higher education in professions as nurses, doctors, pastors and teachers. Many students return to their villages where they will serve 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.”
