Frequently Asked Questions

Why Sierra Leone and not Australia?

Australia is party to seven of the nine core international human rights treaties around the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (‘ICESCR’), adopted in 1966, and several other international agreements specifically focused on education. This means that in Western countries like Australia, children have availability and access to education. According to OECD statistics on education, in 2020, 81.6% of children aged three to five were enrolled in early childhood education.

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In impoverished countries like Sierra Leone, the lack of access to education in underprivileged areas is unacceptable and must be challenged. n Sierra Leone, 51.4% of children under five years are developmentally on track according to the ECDI. Denying children access to education has significant lifelong implications for the health and economic well-being of individuals, families and communities.

What does self-sufficiency mean?

Charity and donations often help the recipients put a “band-aid” over their actual problems. It then causes the recipients to become dependent on aid and inhibits the self-sufficiency that they are capable of. In addition, charity undermines recipients' efforts in generating their profits. This primarily affects the people the most because in other countries, donating items or money, the people are not moving towards getting out of poverty.

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We're aiming to help children to thrive, meaning they won't be reliant on charitable aid as they will be educated and able to find work in the future.

What is the poverty rate like in Sierra Leone?

In Sierra Leone, the poverty rate is more pervasive among the rural population, with 74% living in poverty, compared to a mere 35% of the urban population.

The Australian poverty rate sits at 13.4%, according to the 2022 Poverty in Australia snapshot.  In dollar figures, the poverty line in Australia works out to $489 a week for a single adult and $1,027 a week for a couple with two children.

How much of the donation goes towards the projects?

We aim for as close to 100% as possible. With all our projects, we utilise a targeted funded approach. That means no administration overheads, so the money donated reaches the intended projects. 

We work with Health and Development Aid Abroad (HADA), who will accept the donation on our behalf and facilitate the auditing and distribution of funds to the projects. 

All gifts are tax deductible for Australian donors and will be sent to the designated projects in their entirety except for bank fees.

Who is Health and Development Aid Abroad (HADA)?

Health And Development Aid Abroad Australia Fund Inc., or HADA, is an Australian registered charity that collects, audits, and distributes donations to projects globally, including It's Philanthropy.

HADA is operated by mostly volunteers with the exception of cost-efficient bookkeeping from a generous donor to ensure that all of the donations received are sent to their designated projects with the exception of bank fees. Last year's audited annual report indicated HADA's costs were 1.23% of all funds received. 

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HADA is a registered Australian Charity (#1273) with the Australian Charities and Nonprofits Commission (ABN 43 739 862 351).

Can I make a donation via Credit Card or Bank Account?

Yes, you can pay via a credit card or bank account. However, please note both options attract bank fees when completed via the web form.

Can I make a donation via direct deposit to avoid the bank fees?

Yes, you can pay via direct deposit to avoid bank fees. HADA recommends depositing directly into the HADA Relief Fund Bank Account. 

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Bank: Westpac

BSB: 034215

Account Number: 28 37 87

Account Name: HADA Relief Fund

SWIFT code: WPACAU2S

Reference: SLE-530 It's Philanthropy

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Please note: It is important that you advise the HADA treasurer (treasurer@hada.org.au) and cc: the team at It's Philanthropy (hello@itsphilanthropy.org) when you deposit the funds, including in the email the following details: date of deposit, amount, the project details (SLE-530 It's Philanthropy - Building Education), name for receipting purposes, contact address (preferably email). 

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Once received, the HADA treasurer will issue you with a tax deductible receipt.