FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have non-profit status?
Kids of Kilimanjaro is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit foundation whose mission is to provide a school lunch program to pre-school and elementary school students in Tanzania, East Africa. Our Tax ID Number is 20-2815823.
How many children are currently receiving lunch?
In September of 2005, we started providing lunch to 762 pre-school students at 12 schools in the Monduli district. Today, we have expanded our program to providing lunch to 15,000 pre-school and elementary school students at 48 schools in two school districts, Monduli and Moshi.
What are some of the benefits since Kids of Kilimanjaro began providing lunch?
Attendance is now at 100%, there is a waiting list, the drop out rate is a non-issue and classroom performance and graduation rates have increased. Lunch has proven to be a magnet to attract and keep kids in school. Pre-schools have even expanded their day by one extra period due to the students’ request! Lunch is improving the children’s immune system in fighting off malaria and malnutrition.
How do we provide lunch?
We work with the Department of Education and no other government entity. No funds ever go through any agency of the government. Instead we work with an NGO called KIDO in Arusha, who is equipped to manage our operations. Funds are wire transferred on a quarterly basis and we have the capability of reviewing account activity online. We get copies of the invoices for purchases of product and services and tie them back to the bank statements. We monitor and analyze purchases looking for any trend discrepancies.
What is the NGO’s role in Kids of Kilimanjaro?
The NGO is responsible for purchases, inventory control and distribution of maize (corn), milk and sugar to pre-school students. The same ingredients plus beans or rice are provided to the elementary school students. The Headmaster is responsible for the safekeeping of these items based on student population and disburses the items daily to a local volunteer who prepares lunch. The teachers then provide lunch to the students.
We have the grateful support of parents, schools and the Village Council (similar to our PTAs). The guides and porters (approximately 45) who took me up Mt. Kilimanjaro act as our volunteer field inspectors, visiting the schools on a fairly regular basis to make sure the students are getting lunch everyday. The government is fully aware of our program and is very appreciative.
What are our costs?
Our primary means of fundraising is our annual gala, which historically costs us $80,000 to $90,000 each year. Once we pass this benchmark number, any other donations received through various means will result in more than 90% of funds going directly to the program (at least 90 cents for each dollar). No member of the foundation is paid and the Namkung Family absorbs almost all of our operating cost in the U.S. We are a young charity and cannot afford the cost of a reviewed or audited statement. We are a fully transparent operation and we welcome your review of our financial records.
Asante sana!