Transparency
How we choose participants (no secrets)
When there are more applications than spots, someone has to be left out. How we decide who's in matters — and you have the right to know.
Why we share all this
Community orgs often choose without explaining how. That breeds distrust, and distrust kills communities. We prefer the opposite: publish the rules, make the process visible, and let anyone ask us why their child got in or didn't.
How we score
The criteria and their points
- +15
First time applying to this program
We want new families in every year.
- +10
Applied within the first 72 hours
Rewards commitment and attention.
- +10
You live near the program location
Eases attendance and reduces transport barriers.
- +10
Reported economic need (1 to 5)
Up to +10. Self-reported, no intrusive verification.
- +5
Siblings also applied
We keep siblings together when possible.
- +5
Form fully completed without errors
Rewards the effort of filling it out well.
- −15
You missed a previous program without notice
We protect the space for those who show up.
The board has the final word
The system ranks applications by score, but the final decision is made by the board. They can accept the automatic order (most common), or move a person up or down manually if there's a reason the system didn't capture (e.g. a family going through a very hard moment).
When someone is moved manually, the board must write the reason, and it stays forever in an audit log that the super-admin can review. This protects everyone: families, board, and our credibility.
What if I'm not in?
If your spot didn't make the initial selection, you're automatically waitlisted, ordered by the same score. If someone declines or cancels, we promote you automatically and notify you by WhatsApp or email.
The waitlist is real. We've had cases where half the list ended up participating because of last-minute cancellations.
Questions or concerns about a selection?
Write to us and we reply within 48 business hours.