OrFA Provides the Following Programs
SCHOLARSHIP
- Covers tuition, education related expenses and lodging*.
- Requires recipient’s participation in the mentoring program.
- Renews annually pending review process.
*Lodging is based on need
MENTORSHIP
- Facilitates 1:1 personal growth development for mentees and mentors.
- Includes six activities per school year designed and coordinated by OrFA.
- Has annual renewal for each match pending agreement from mentors and mentees.
Scholarship
It costs approximately, on average, $700 per child annually for education expenses across all of OrFA’s programs in Vietnam and Thailand. The scholarship funds school-related expenses such as tuition, books, additional tutoring classes, etc… for orphans who meet our vetting requirements. OrFA only covers lodging on a case-by-case basis. Children participating in the scholarship program are required to be in the mentoring program if it is available in their location.
OrFA performs a rigorous diligence process on all scholarship applicants including the following information requests:
- General info (name, age, family background, orphanage/center details)
- Does the orphanage center have sole legal custody of the child?
- Does the applicant meet OrFA’s definition of an orphan?
- Does the applicant live at the orphanage center full time?
- What is the guardian/center’s source of income?
- What is the orphans’ source of income?
- Is the applicant currently enrolled and attending school? OrFA will review the proof of school enrollment, school contacts and details, and proof of school expense payments.
In addition, OrFA reviews applicants’ essays on their reason for applying to the scholarship program before acceptance.
OrFA currently has the scholarship program for 27 children in Chiangmai, Thailand, and 70 children in Vietnam.
Mentorship
The mentoring program is a one-on-one professional and personal growth development initiative where each orphan is paired with a mentor for the year. There are six planned events a year, which aim to develop the orphans’ social and other developmental skills. Every event lasts three to four hours to ensure that each child maximizes time with their mentor and learns a new skill. Those in the mentoring program may not be part of the scholarship program if they do not need funding. On average, OrFA’s mentoring program costs $400 per child.
Representative Mentoring Activities
Mentor/Mentee Getting to Know You
Mentors and mentees meet for the first time to get acquainted with each other, and OrFA coordinator will base the first meeting to properly pair the mentor/mentee
Art Activity and Matching
Mentors and mentees are officially matched. After the pairing, art activity commences. It can be dance, painting, music, etc. It’s important to get a sponsor to lead the activity.
Explore My City
Mentors and mentees gain confidence by experiencing a new environment and exploring a museum or visiting a landmark in their city.
Life Skills Cooking Class
Mentors and mentees learn basic life skills and through an activity such as cooking or baking.
Career Paths
Mentors and mentees learn about different professions to help mentees understand what is the best path for them in the future.
Wrap Up
We celebrate the graduation of year 1 with the mentors/mentees/volunteers and the team reflect on the year’s activities.