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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q What does Fingerpaints do?

A

Fingerpaints helps educate poor, disabled and vulnerable children. We provide Scholarships and vocational training to enable the poorest children to gain a basic education and equip themselves with the skills necessary to work their way out of poverty. We work hard to encourage creative thinking and problem solving skills through art, music, science and athletics - in conjunction with local schools, hospitals and church programs, as well as addressing children’s needs on a case by case basis.

Q Where does Fingerpaints work?

A

Right here in the streets and homes in Hidden Cove. Mostly in the portions of “Lowtown”. We work in conjunction/ cooperation with schools, churchs and hospitals to maximize the number of children we can reach.

Q How does Fingerpaints choose the children for its programs?

A

This is done carefully and objectively to ensure that we help the most genuinely needy. We visit children at home to assess the poverty of their family. We tend to choose younger children as the poor drop out of school early in order to work. Many of the children we help are blind, deaf, disabled or missing one or both parents.

Q Do Fingerpaints' programs work?

A

We can confidently reply yes, they do. We monitor our work closely to ensure that we achieve our targets and evaluate projects at regular intervals. We have seen our children pass exams and have their work exhibited. We have watched as they grow in confidence and knowledge better able to face the challenges of the world and fend for themselves. Each year we place older students in hotels, shops and offices here in Hidden Cove and other neighboring cities for on-the-job training.

Q How many people work for Fingerpaints?

A

Altogether around 20 people work for us (not including the board or independent supporters/ volunteers). Some are responsible for individual programs, some are teachers. All are dedicated and committed people. We have a very limited need for volunteers.

Q Can I volunteer?

A

Absolutely! Please contact Amy Drost in our public relations department for more information or to inquire about the need for volunteers. If we do not have need for volunteers when you call we will be more than happy to put you in touch with various other charity organizations working with children around the city, including the “Big Brothers/ Big Sisters” program.

Q What can I give apart from money?

A

Money is by far the most useful thing. Exercise books and pens are useful: soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes are too, clothes less so. We can buy what we need for less than the cost for most people: and money allows us to buy what is needed most.

Q Can I visit the Charity?

A

We do not encourage visits to our projects owing to the time it takes to organize them and the disruption caused to classes etc. Major sponsors are, of course, very welcome to visit their projects.

~ Elizabeth Jameson, Fingerpaints Administrator