Tumaini—Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Tumaini International Ministries? What does Tumaini International Ministries do?
A. "Tumaini" is a Kiswahili word for hope. Tumaini International Ministries is a faith based Christian organization that provides for the basic needs of children who have been orphaned through AIDS and their immediate families in Kenya. Most of our work is concentrated in the Eastern Province but as the Lord directs and provides, we will expand support to other regions in Kenya and throughout Africa. Tumaini International Ministries, Inc. is incorporated in the State of California as a Religious Corporation under Section 501(c)3. (Tax ID # 91-215-7825). The ministry was registered to operate in Kenya as Tumaini International Organization in 2003.
Q. Who started Tumaini International Ministries?
A. Tumaini International Ministries was started by Stanley and Rose Mutunga in the fall of 2001. At the time Stanley was Dean of the Graduate School at Hope International University in Fullerton, California. He, his wife and their three little boys started responding to a growing need in their native country of Kenya of AIDS orphans who were being left behind with no hope after their parent’s death due to AIDS epidemic in Kenya which was killing some 700 people a day at the time. They began by assisting 15 orphans and within a few years they were supporting hundreds of children.
Q: How is Tumaini International Ministries funded?
A: Tumaini International Ministries does not rely on any funding from government grants. Tumaini is completely funded by individuals, churches, businesses and community groups who want to reduce the suffering caused by the AIDS pandemic in Kenya, East Africa.
Q. What are Vision Trips?
A. Vision Trips are opportunities for Christians to travel across the globe to learn what God is doing overseas. Some churches or church groups call them mission trips. Tumaini International Ministries views vision trips as unique opportunities for Christians to travel and witness the needs of the developing countries, find out what God is already doing in those areas and find their niche for service.Q. When can my church/church group go for Vision Trip?
A. Our goal is for individuals, churches or church groups to make vision trips during the months of April and August so as to coincide with the Christian camps that we conduct during those off school months. However, we are able to arrange trips during other months for teams that carry out other activities such as micro-finance projects. However, we do not conduct vision trips during the months of December and January.
Donations
Q: Exactly how much of my donation is going directly to people in need? How much of my donation is used for administrative costs?
As of December 2009 donations received were applied as follows: Administration 9%, fundraising 24% and programs 67%.
Q: How can I be assured my donation is going directly to people in need?
A: We commit to spending your donation where you designate. When you select "wherever most needed," you allow us to put your donation in the general fund and spent it in an area where it is most needed, usually supporting children who for one reason or another lose their donors in the course of the year. The bottom line is that we commit to spending your money in the most productive, efficient way possible.
Q: Can I choose what program I'd like my donation to go to?
A: All the funds we receive for specific programs are devoted entirely to those events. If you wish to restrict the use of your donation to a specific purpose, we will honor that wish or inform you that we cannot and offer suggestions for comparable needs. We have not and will not collect money for a specific incident or purpose with the intention of using it for other purposes.
Q. Can I donate online?
A. Yes you can donate online on our secure online donation and automatic recurring donation form located under the donate tab. Some individuals have also found it helpful to use their own online banking making Tumaini a payee on their list and using their sponsored child’s name and/or ID number for the account number.
Request Assistance
Q: How does Tumaini International Ministries choose its partners?
A: We are open to partnering with individuals, groups, churches, foundations and businesses who want to make a difference in the lives of the AIDS orphans that we serve in Kenya.
Q: What donations does Tumaini International Ministries need?
A. We accept cash donations. Because of the prohibitive shipping costs and the distance involved, we prefer to accept cash donations even for designated items and then purchase the items in Africa. From time to time, we may ask for specific item donations to be taken along by Vision Trip teams.
Miscellaneous
Q: Can I intern or volunteer for Tumaini International Ministries?
A: Volunteers assist with a full range of clerical, writing tasks, as well as in staffing special events. We continually accept inquiries but generally can use more help during peak times, such as new opportunities for child sponsorships. Tumaini International Ministries’ volunteer opportunities exist at our office in Lakewood, California. If you are interested in becoming an intern or volunteer, please contact us and a staff member will work with you to see how your talents might be put to use in our program.
Q: What is Tumaini International Ministries’ photo usage policy?
A: Tumaini International Ministries works withvoluntary photographers, usually our donors who participate in Vision Trips to Kenya. They provide the organization with images to be used for our publications and for Web site only. We ask that you please do not reuse or copy our images.
Child Sponsorship
Q: How much does it cost to sponsor a child?
A: $35 per month or $420 annuallyQ: How long will I sponsor my child?
Sponsorship continues through secondary school or grade 12. However, if you are unable to continue as a sponsor, we will find your child another sponsor. Once sponsored, a child is never dropped from the Tumaini program. Early notification helps us to prevent lapses in sponsorship.
Q: Can I write to my child?
Yes, letters, cards and photos are encouraged. Please mail any correspondence (clearly labeled with your child’s name and ID#) to our U.S. office for delivery to Kenya. (P.O. Box 6072, Corona, CA 92878.
Q: Can I give any special gifts to my child?
Costs and delivery logistics prohibit mailing gifts directly to your child. You may donate over and above your monthly sponsorship for birthday and/or Christmas gifts. These donations may be made via check (please indicate “birthday” or “Christmas” in the memo line or on this website under the “make a donation” tab. To maximize your donation, these gift funds are wired to our Kenyan field staff for purchase of these gifts locally. In addition, livestock may be purchased for your child’s family. Current rates are $200 for a cow and $55 for a goat. Please contact our office if you have any other gift requests.
Q: Do you send monthly reminders?
At this time, we send out quarterly and year-end statements. If you desire, automatic recurring donations may be set up on this website. Click on the “donate” tab and then “set up a recurring donation.” When this is established, you maintain security and control of the frequency and duration of your donations. You can manage any changes by logging in to your account. If you do online banking, it is possible to set up Tumaini as a payee and manage your donation that way (please use your child’s name or ID # as the account number).
Q: Can I pay more than one month at a time?
Yes, you can set up any payment schedule that works for you -- monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually.