The Sponsorship Project

The Desert Flower Foundation enters into a contract with the girls' parents with the money donated from the sponsorship.
The Sponsorship Project
The contract guarantees the physical integrity of the girls at risk and protection from forced marriage. But a Desert Flower sponsorship can do much more - please learn more:

Why become a Desert Flower sponsor?

By far the safest way to save a girl from genital mutilation (FGM) and consequently to protect her is to take on a sponsorship.

"The reason I give is simple. I give because these girls deserve the world. And the world deserves these girls."
Lauren, Desert Flower sponsor

The 4 key elements of the Desert Flower sponsorship contract:

1. The Family

The entire family of the sponsored girl benefits
The parents/guardians also receive financial contributions for food and other expenses such as water and electricity. In return, they must contractually agree not to genitally mutilate their daughters, not to force them into child marriage and to send them to school. And they must agree to bring the girls for regular health checks by the Desert Flower Foundation. As part of this check, the girls' physical integrity is checked by a medical doctor selected by us.

2. The School Education

All Desert Flower sponsored girls attend school
Very often, school attendance fails because the parents/guardians cannot afford to pay for their children to go to school. This starts with the purchase of school books and ends with the purchase of suitable school clothing. Some of the donations are used to buy school books, exercise books, pens and clothing. School education is so important because your donation enables the girls to lead a self-determined life. Our common goal: an economically independent woman will not easily submit to the pressure of a community.

3. The Health

No girl is genitally mutilated
All Desert Flower sponsored girls are spared the cruel, often life-threatening health consequences of FGM. Furthermore, medical care is guaranteed. This includes regular health checks by our local medical doctor. Should a girl fall ill, she will receive the necessary medical care.

4. The Sustainability

A Desert Flower sponsorship changes lives
The girls are not torn away from their families and cultural roots. The structures within the community change for the better. We are convinced that families and girls who are doing well become role models for others. With the Save A Little Desert Flower sponsorship project, we can make a long-term difference together!

How to become a sponsor

HOW DO WE FIND AND SELECT THE SPONSOR GIRLS?

Staff from our organisation on site visit the families and girls in their local communities to explain the seriously harmful physical and psychological consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM). The terms of the agreement are then explained to the parents in detail.

WHAT DOES THE CONTRACT SAY?

By signing the contract, the parents agree not to subject their daughters to female genital mutilation or forced marriage, and undertake to ensure that the girls attend school regularly. They also agree to have the girls’ physical integrity checked once or twice a year by a doctor selected by us as part of a health check-up. In return, the girls’ families receive monthly financial support, free medicines and, if necessary, free medical care.
The Desert Flower Foundation sponsorship contract contains the following agreements:
  • A clear "NO" to FGM from parents
  • Monthly cash payments by the local organisation of the Desert Flower Foundation
  • 4 times a year check of the girls' school attendance
  • 1 to 2 times a year health check of the girls including examination of their physical integrity

CAN I CHOOSE WHICH CHILD I WANT TO SPONSOR?

The anonymity of the girls is an important concern for us, particularly for reasons of safety and compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. For this reason, our local counsellors select the sponsored children in consultation with us.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO WRITE TO THE GIRLS?

Yes, it is possible to write to your Desert Flower. You can send letters to the following email patenschaften@desertflowerfoundation.org. Our staff on the site will ensure that the sponsored girls receive the letters..

WHAT INFORMATION DO I RECEIVE?

You will receive a sponsorship certificate featuring the name, origin and photo of your sponsored girl, along with information about our Save a Little Desert Flower project and a letter of thanks from our founder Waris Dirie.

HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY HELP IS GETTING THROUGH?

As a non-profit organisation, we are committed to using the donations entrusted to us prudently and efficiently. We are audited annually by leading audit firms such as Ernst & Young and Deloitte.

CAN I DEDUCT THE SPONSORSHIP FROM TAX?

Yes, payments for sponsorship and all donations to the Desert Flower Foundation are tax-deductible in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY SPONSORED CHILD IF I CANCEL THE SPONSORSHIP?

The sponsored child is temporarily supported by free donations until a new sponsor is found.

WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE COMPLETED A SPONSORSHIP?

You can send an email to the following address at any time:
patenschaften@desertflowerfoundation.org.