Frequently Asked Questions

Children of the Dump works in conjunction with a local charity on the ground in Manila. We have audited accounts that are available on the website. As a UK Charity we are regulated by the Charities Commission- a legal body which oversees all UK charities and their activities. We are a not-for-profit organisation with just one part time Office Manager. Otherwise the charity depends on volunteers and Trustees who take no compensation. The charity receives no direct support  from the government in either the UK or The Philippines.

Children of the Dump operates in conjunction with ASCF (Asian Student Christian Foundation), our partner charity in the Philippines. They manage  all aspects of the day to day running of the programmes which are staffed by fully trained and qualified Filipinos including teachers and social workers. Trustees of ASCF are drawn from all parts of the community, many of whom have had a personal connection to the charity for a number of years. ASCF is a private non-profit child and family welfare and development organisation duly licensed and accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in The Philippines.

The selection of children supported is made in the Philippines by our fully trained local team who assess the needs of the child and the needs of the wider family using a rigorous process developed over many years. Ongoing support from specialised social workers is available to support families and ensure that the children are benefiting from their education. For children who live at Mango House there is a continuous focus to see if  it is appropriate for them to safely return to their family communities. When this is, happily,  the case,  ASCF carefully monitor the re-integration process. 

Sponsorship aims to support the child right the way from Pre-School through the entire education process which lasts many years. This continuity is important because it aims to ensure that children are able to complete their education and become successful independent adults. The benefits that the child receives are also felt within the immediate family, particularly with brothers and sisters as well as helping to build a sustainable community in what is a hostile environment.

The money is administered locally in the Philippines where social workers check that the sponsored children are participating effectively in the educational programmes. If things go wrong the support is there to help get the sponsored child back on track.

Perhaps you are no longer able to sponsor a child. You can stop the sponsorship at any time for any reason. No child will be taken out of school. Children of The Dump will fund the child out of reserves and in the longer term will look for new sponsors.

You will receive personalised reports on the progress of your child and you have the opportunity to send letters and cards through our UK address at Highcross Church or, better still short videos through our contact emails. The children love to hear from you and will often send answers.

We ask that you do not contact the children directly and do not give them your own surname, address or social media links to protect your own and the child’s right to privacy. We will monitor the content of communications to and from the children. If a sponsored child does contact you directly we ask that you don’t reply directly but let us know and we can handle this sensitively. Unfortunately due to the costs of posting and the difficulties and delays of customs we ask that you do not post specific gifts or parcels, other than simple postcards or photos.  We encourage two way sharing of videos through our own contacts. Send them to office@childrenofthedump.org.ok

We have been working in Payatas since 1975 to improve the lives of children in the Payatas Dump so over that time we have learned what works best. We help change a child’s life by working with the family as well as the child. This means building long term support and trust which may include transforming the way people think to ensure that the children can have better futures. We work within the community and have close local ties with the local authorities to ensure that our work is within the law and is completely relevant and appropriate for life in the Philippines.

If you would like to make a Regular Monthly gift then you can set up a direct debit through your bank. We have a Standing Order form for you to take to your bank. If you are a UK tax payer it would be great if you post to us a filled out Gift Aid Certificate which lets us claim an extra amount from the government at no cost to you.

Download Gift Aid for Tax Payers form

Download Standing Order Form

You can also post a cheque to Children of The Dump at:
Children of the Dump, High Cross Church, Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3SY.

You can make a payment through your bank to:
HSBC
Town Centre Branch
Danestrete
Stevenage
SG1 1BY

Bank Sort Code  40-43-36
Account Name  Asian Students Christian Trust
Account Number  01146629

Quoting the reference:  General Fund

Children of the Dump is proud that at least 80% of expenditure goes directly to the Philippines. The rest of the money raised is used to  cover the cost of setting up the programmes, creating fundraising opportunities and ensuring that money is spent wisely in the UK and the Philippines

Yes. If you are a UK tax payer and you  tick the button when you sign up then Children of The Dump can claim 25p for every £1 that you give to the charity. This costs you nothing.