Frequently Asked Questions

A: IHF is funded by a combination of donations, sponsors, funding from our CEO, Ms. Carol Sasaki and her friends and family.

Q: What will volunteers be doing when they arrive on site?
A: Volunteer activities vary from site to site, but all volunteer work 8 hours a day: 4 on international administrative task teams of their choosing, 4 hours on local tasks.  Local tasks vary among the different sites, but include teaching classes (English, Math and Computer), helping children with their homework, etc.

Q: Which locations are responsible for each program?
A: In Indonesia, our Bali and Medan centers serve as free schools and provide TEP sponsorship to needy children in the area.  Jakarta and Aceh have not only free schools and TEP sponsorship, but also serve as orphanages/safe homes for several children.  Our center in Chiang Rai, Thailand serves as an orphanage/safe home for many children, and provides TEP sponsorship as well.  Our center in Kenya serves as a free school, orphanage/safe home for many children, and the coordination point for our Survival, Famine Feed, Medical Clinic and Tribal Peace Farm programs.  Our administrative work is all done by volunteers, at any of these six centers, at our headquarters in San Diego, and from the homes of our many at-home volunteers throughout the world. 

Q: Is IHF recognized by the United States Government?
A: Yes, IHF is a registered 501(c)(3) Non Profit Foundation in the United States.  All contributions are tax deductible.

Q: I am interested in "gifting a goat".  How do I go about doing this?
A: If you want to make a gift in donating a goat, please follow the steps below:

1.     Click on http://www.ihfonline.org/donating.php

2.     Choose the item you would like to donate and click Next: Enter Amount

3.     Choose the amount you would like to donate ( 1 goat = 20 USD, 2 goats = 40USD, etc.)

4.     Click Next: Add to Basket

5.     Then click on "check out"

6.     If you are new donor, please fill in the information as requested (the person paying for the donation)

7.     Verify your selection

8.     Click on instruction and write the name you would like to have on the certificate

9.     Submit payment

10.   Done 

We will then send you a certificate within 2 days and the photo of the family receiving your goat a few days later.

Q:  I would like a better understanding of how all the donated money is able to go directly to the children and programs. Where does overhead money come from? 
A: Unlike other non-profits and NGO's, IHF is a grassroots foundation, meaning that nearly all of our work is done by volunteers, from teaching classes and caring for the children, to the administrative side, and our paid staff earns local wages on site in Thailand, Indonesia or Kenya, where the cost of living is extremely low.  The overhead generally comes directly from the pocket of our CEO, Ms. Carol Sasaki.

Q: How are the organization funds spread out through the organization?
A: Sponsor funds are ALWAYS given to the child/class centre of their choice. This means we have little say how this portion of funds are distributed. Combined with our private donations we try to ensure that all centres receive proportionally to the classes and children they support. Here is an approximate breakdown:
35% Nakuru, Kenya
15% Chiang Rai, Thailand
14% Jakarta, Indonesia
12% Bali, Indonesia
12% Medan, Indonesia
12% Aceh, Indonesia

Q: How are the funds that are donated to IHF used?

A: The money donated by a donor is only used for the purpose which it's donation was intended. Therefore, a 20 dollar donation for a goat goes to just that - buying a goat. Orphan sponsor money is calculated and used for the food, supplies, and needs of the children at the orphanage. Money intended for one purpose may never be substituted for another purpose.

Q: What if the TEP sponsorship is not enough to cover the higher school fees of secondary school children and those with disabilities?
A: Outstanding school fees can be covered with general donation money or if necessary by Carol Sasaki herself. We never allow our children to be kept out of school because of a lack of school fees. Education is of the highest priority for IHF's children!

Q: Are there locals that are hired or volunteer for IHF?
A: IHF is a grassroots organization, and it firmly believes in hiring local staff. For this reason we have local staff in all centres who work together with international volunteers. We hope that combining these two sets of skills will help to ensure that our children keep their values and traditions while also opening their opportunities to a great big world.

Q: Does IHF have a standard plan for children who finish secondary school and wish to continue their studies?
A: Each child in this position is considered on an individual basis. At the Kenya centre we have just had two young adults finish secondary school. They are currently working as assistants to the co-directors, while researching possible routes for university in the United States. Currently, all funding for higher education is covered by the founder herself.

Q: Does IHF work with any other affiliates in any of the countries it works in?
A: IHF does not currently work with any other affiliates in other countries. We are always happy to meet and help other organizations with a common value and mission.

Q: Has there been any implicit impact in the communities that IHF work in? Either positive or negative?
A: IHF has had a positive impact in the lives of the many children touched by our programs. For example, our TEP program has provided high-school scholarships which have allowed hundreds of children to continue their high school degree rather than dropping out for lack of funds. In addition, all of our centres are always open to all children in need. Our orphanages provide a safe place for children who have been abused, were in child labour, and were sold as child brides and, many other dis-heartening stories. Even for those who do not live at our centres, the walls still provide a safe place off the street where locals come to chat and socialise. In the recent political turmoil in Nakuru, Kenya - our orphanage was one of the only buildings that still stood up, un-scorched.  To us, this is a sign that the community wants us there. If anyone is aware of a negative impact IHF projects has had please email rgo.enilnofhi@fhi and we will address it immediately.

Q. Do you have any volunteering opportunities in the US?

A. If you do not already live in the US, no. If you do, you could help from home doing online task or can volunteer in San Diego helping with fundraising, etc.

Q. Do we take from money donated for hungry children to feed you (a volunteer) instead? 
A. Ethically we can not use money meant for children on you. Not only that but we tended to attract many who claimed caring for kids then arrived to have a super cheap adventure , not to real work. Charging this amount has solved both these critical problems. Sorry but we have learned the hard way to strictly keep this rule, even though not the ideal we would prefer.