ChildVoice made me aware of the horrific condition's children are experiencing because they are stolen and used to fight wars, become child brides or suicide bombers. This is all so unimaginable to me living in America. Instead of going to school, playing with friends or building snowmen, these little ones have to participate in unthinkable evils and also lose their loved ones. ChildVoice has come in to provide a haven and hope for restoration through the love of Christ. They provide a place of shelter, kindness, physical and mental healing and give the broken a chance for true restoration. The services that are provided help these young girls have a future and a hope. I thank God for how He has used this ministry to bring about the healing needed that will touch future generations.
I have been a volunteer and donor for ChildVoice since 2008. I have been to Uganda 5 times and experienced first hand the amazing transformations of the students of this program. ChildVoice works tirelessly to provide counseling, care, education and love to all of their students. I would encourage everyone to learn more and get involved in transforming the lives of those silenced by war.
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I have been a state side volunteer at Child Voice since 2008 working on videos for the SoulFest concert and the Beads program. I was invited to join a team traveling to Uganda at the beginning of November 2010 to shoot video for a new promotional piece. While I had a sense of what was going on in Lukodi nothing could compare to witnessing it first hand. I was lucky enough to interview not only girls that are currently in the program but graduates and a girl hoping to get into the program. I can honestly say that Child Voice is a necessary organization in Northern Uganda. These girls come from extremely desperate and traumatic situations and are transformed into loving, caring and productive women in their communities able to provide a better life for themselves and their children. The spiritual and psychological counseling these girls receive is truly a blessing from God. You must become a part this movement!
My name is Dina Remington. I recently visited the Lukome Center in Gulu, Uganda. I was extremely impressed with the facility, training & counseling provided by Child Voice. The campus is beautiful & the safety is top-notch. The girls are taught how to care for themselves & their child. They receive literacy & vocational training in order to support their family. The children are educated as well so they can enter school once they return home. The non-tangible training is perhaps more important- self-confidence, leadership, friendship & love. I will always remember the smiles of these beautiful girls. Thank you Child Voice for the difference you are making!
I spent a week at the Lukome Center in Northern Uganda in September of 2024. I was impressed with the Childvoice mission to help the under served young women of school age with a safe and loving environment. From a place of healing they connect to their peers and build trusting relationships with staff members. They learn trades to help them be self-sufficient for themselves, and often their young child, when they return to their community after graduation at 20 months. THEN they also have consistent follow-up over a 3 to 5 year period to help them be successful. It was a special time that I will always remember. The young women truly looked happy that they were at the Lukome Center and it radiated from their smiles.
I was able to spend a week at Child Voice’s Lukome Center in northern Uganda in September 2024. This was a remarkable, life-changing experience that I will always cherish! To see first-hand how Child Voice is making a difference in the lives of these young women and their children was so inspirational. Their faith-based program effectively helps the girls heal from their past traumas and empowers them through comprehensive and robust training that will enable them to be successful, independent ladies upon their graduation. This organization and their leadership/ staff care so deeply about their mission and it’s paying dividends in hope for these young women, their children and ultimately their communities.
Volunteering with ChildVoice has been a great experience that lets me give back to the global community while pursuing my passion for women’s health as a med student focused on ob/gyn. I love the mission to empower women, especially adolescent girls! Plus, the flexibility of helping out from home makes it super easy to fit into my busy schedule. The coordinators are also fantastic—always responsive and supportive. Overall, my time with ChildVoice has been not just impactful but also a lot of fun, and I'm glad to be contributing!
It was an amazing experience working with the team at ChildVoice. They were understanding and worked with me to create an excellent experience that allowed me to work on a wide range of projects. I will use the skills I learned through working with ChildVoice in my future career and would love to work with them again.
I volunteered for ChildVoice on a small project over the summer. Everyone there was nice and always happy to help. They were gracious towards me as I was inexperienced but willing to learn. I would be thrilled to work with them again in the future. On top of that, they are a great organization doing amazing work and making a difference in others' lives!
ChildVoice is a most impressive team of humble, qualified, and friendly people from literally all over the world. Their dedication To reaching young people who have suffered trauma from living in war zones goes beyond charity. They recognize the importance of professional counseling and guidance as a prerequisite to skill-training and entrepreneurial studies. They have demonstrated wisdom by seeking team members from local cultures who meet those requirements. Before the young people can speak they must first know they’ve been heard.
Ever since my grandmother first went to Uganda through ChildVoice it has been my dream. This past February my dream came true. It was so much more than I could have imagined and the staff were incredible. This is experience changed life forever. Thank you ChildVoice!
I have been fortunate enough to travel to Uganda 5 times with Childvoice, and every experience has been life-changing. Being able to see ChildVoice's work and the difference they make in the girls' lives is indescribable. I have seen the teenage mothers who have just arrived in the program and see how broken and traumatized they are. Within 18 months ChildVoice completely re-shapes their and the children's lives. They provide extensive counseling, vocational training, and worship taught by local, trained, and loving staff. I can't say enough good about this organization that significantly changed the students' lives and my life.
We took a trip to Uganda with ChildVoice in February. They supported all parts of our trip from preparation, engaging in the trip and the return. On our trip, we were able to see the amazing work that ChildVoice does to build up and support these young women impacted by war. Since our return, staff from ChildVoice have supported the girls from our mission group in finding ways to continue to support the people from Uganda from the opposite side of the world.
ChildVoice is an amazing organization that is changing the lives of the women and their children. The staff is amazing and do an amazing job both loving and encouraging the women while creating boundaries that keep them safe and keeps the center running effectively. They center was beautiful and a lot of thought was put into how to best serve the women for their future. I loved learning about ChildVoice on my trip and think they are doing amazing things. I am so happy I was able to be a part of this organization.
ChildVoice is an incredible organization through and through. Their dedication and commitment to empowering and uplifting some of the world's most vulnerable young women and children is truly inspiring. They have a team of passionate and caring professionals that goes above and beyond to make a positive impact on the lives of these young ones every day. Keep up the great work!
Hello,
I'm very grateful that I was able to join the team for the mission trip to Uganda. Being able to connect with the young ladies and the children at Childvoice was a very beautiful and humbling experience that I will always remember and appreciate for the rest of my life. I enjoyed talking with them, praying with them and being apart of the ChildVoice family while I was in Uganda. Everyone was so kind and welcomed us with open arms. I think it would have been nice to get together with the team (outside of having meetings about the trip and prior to leaving the country) to do a couple of team outings and get to know each other better on a personal level. I believe it would have given us all an opportunity to feel more connected. Especially because several of us didn't know each other at all. I would also encourage diversity on mission trips. There were some things that happened on the trip that I felt like should have been handled differently but overall I think it was an amazing experience and I'm very thankful that I was able to be apart of it.
Rashawna N Golden
I just finished leading a team from our church in Iowa to the ChildVoice Center in Uganda. I have been there previously, but not for 5 years. Their have been numerous upgrades to the Center, including a solar system that now provides lighting across the campus, and pumps water from a well into a water tower, from which water flows to variety of spigots across the campus. This saves the students several hours a day they used to spend carrying water up from the well. The campus is very well maintained. The farm is well run, and continues to provide vegetables of many kinds for the students and staff to eat, as well as a variety of protein, including chickens, pork from pigs, and fish from the tilapia ponds; maize provides flour for baking. The program is well run, with a steady guiding hand provided by Dorcas, the principle, and her staff of teachers and counselors. All staff are native Ugandans which is a credit to ChildVoice for providing jobs to the community. While we were there construction was underway for a new toilet facility for the students which will utilize a septic system with flushing provided by the water supply — this will significantly improve the health conditions for the students. The construction is also being done by native Ugandans. A new office building at the Center provides a place for the staff to meet and conduct counseling sessions, etc. In addition, a steady wi-fi connection is available in this building which is important for visiting teams, but also for the staff to communicate with the national ChildVoice office in the U.S. The students, all suffering from severe trauma in their young lives, are showing signs of recovery through a variety of methods, including job skill training which provides confidence and hope for the future, dance, counseling, and sporting activities. In addition, each of the students maintains a small garden plot from which they can earn money selling vegetables at the local market which will be paid to them when they graduate. Overall, ChildVoice is an impressive organization providing Hope to war traumatized young women, not only in the immediate 18 month residential program, but also for the 3-5 year after care program which further increases the chance that these students will become self-supportive for themselves, their children, and even for their extended families in some cases.
I️ recently got back from a trip to the Lukome center. The staff was absolutely wonderful and very welcoming. The girls were just as amazing. What the staff and organization is doing for these young women is amazing. I️ will most certainly be telling their stories and about childvoice to anyone and everyone that will listen.
I️ am looking forward to getting back there!
Child Voice is an amazing ministry that gives hope to the hopeless. Women and girls are rescued from desperation and given a new future. Child Voice offers healing spirit, soul, and body then they equip these women with skills to support themselves and their families going forward. I was blessed to share the encouraging experiences with some of these women when I was able to visit the Lukome Center while on a medical mission in Uganda.
I just returned from a trip to visit the Lukome ChildVoice center. We met the students and had an opportunity to experience what they experience. This program changes lives; and I was aware immediately that the change has the opportunity to change the direction of generations. The staff and directors care about the students as unique individuals - they love them so well as they challenge them. It was beautiful to witness. I'm so proud to be associated with this organization.
I spent a Monday through Friday at the Lukome Center near Gulu, Uganda. My team (included seven others) arrived on Monday evening around 6pm. Immediately, we were greeted by the staff, given a dinner meal, and then joined in devotional worship with the 27 young women and their children. We then were introduced to them all. Though it was dark outside, I could already sense that my week was going to be filled with getting to know these women and seeing how God was working through their trauma and healing.
Because our time was limited with the girls, we were not able to do a lot of repairs on the campus. However, we were able to repaint soccer goals and playground equipment, provide new balls and sporting equipment, repaint the gate mural, give dresses for the children and girls. These were all physical things we could give. I was happy to provide these and wish I could have given more. However, it was the relationships and the experiences that were the most impactful for me.
At first, I was really shocked at the living facilities of the huts. I understand that things have improved with electricity, some flushing toilets, running water, a small cooler/refrigerator (in Catering class), and WiFi. I think it is a wonderful idea that ChildVoice seeks to provide the girls with a similar structure that they will go back to once they are done at the campus. I was happy to see that new bathrooms were being built for the girls with better toilets and showers. I was humbled to see the women hand washing all the clothes and making all of the meals for their babies. Every morning, I was able to walk around their huts and see them sweeping the leaves to create a clean dirt path, feeding their babies, making their beds, picking the food from the garden, and getting ready for a day of classes.
At 7:30, all of the girls got together to sing a few spiritual songs with the children. My team got to join everyday and by the end of the week, we knew the songs and were clapping and dancing along. The girls really opened up to us mid-week through all the different activities we did with them. Evening worship was also a delight as well. It sometimes rained but we were always able to make it under the gazebo. At first, I was afraid of the weather and getting wet but I soon found that I did not mind the dirt, weather, and sweat. It is just part of living on the campus.
After singing at night, we sometimes did an activity with the girls or they did announcements. I really loved how the staff made sure every girl leader (whether for Catering, Sewing, or Styling) gave a debrief of the day. They always gave thanks for the work done. There was time to talk about any issues that came up or requests. They gave each of us time to express any thoughts we had as well. I always felt included and welcome.
The staff was wonderful - Cecilia never blinked an eye at washing our dirty laundry if we set it out. She and the girls would also clean our huts every day and leave heartfelt designs for our clean sheets. The first night on campus was rough of getting used to taking a headlight to go and use a bathroom that is a hole in the floor, and sleeping with a mosquito net. I was cautious of every noise I heard outside, as it was quite unfamiliar to me. However, by the second/third night I felt really comfortable. I sensed that if I spent over a month on campus, I would easily find a routine and feel really comfortable with the living situation.
Dorcas, as President, was wonderful of making sure we knew the schedule daily. It was a bit frustrating at times to have it change last minute and we also never seemed to be ‘on time’ for things. 10:00am usually meant 10:40am. However, because there were really no other pressing obligations, time was more fluid than I am used to in the states.
I loved that I was able to freely go in and out of the classes. The girls even braided my hair! We got to teach them some American dances, play a game of football with them (I scored a goal and my team won!), make crafts at night, take pictures on Neil’s camera (they LOVED that!), participate in a Cultural Festival, and help take care of their children. Overall, they really showed me how strong they were. I hope I was able to make them feel valued and give them a sense of joy.
The girls really accepted me. I always was greeted with a smile and I did not want to leave. I was very emotional to go, and the girls were too. Some were afraid to show emotion and many wanted us to come back. I am really trying to get back to the campus before they graduate so I can see the growth of the girls.
One of the most memorable experiences of staying with the girls was going with them to the Community Service. We drove to a road about 5 minutes away and then walked awhile into the thick bush to help two older Ugandans. The severity of their suffering was shocking, and their living conditions were too. However, I still witnessed how they found joy. We were able to sing and pray with them. I was able to sweep their floor, hoe, fill water jugs, and experience what it would be like to grow up and survive in that type of culture. I could tell the girls were impacted as well.
Overall, I really would recommend ChildVoice as a place for volunteers to go to. I have been completely transformed by the experience. The girls taught me so much of what it means to rely on community and rely on God. I loved seeing how God was so present in every area we went to, regardless of the culture, race, status, gender, poverty, etc…The climate was perfect - I never felt too overheated or too cold. I felt prepared to go on this trip due to a great team leader who prepped me for necessities to bring. I came with no expectations, as I have never been to this part of the world before. I am leaving with a deep fondness for Uganda, and Africans in general. I am hopeful for the future of ChildVoice and what it continues to do for the girls. I think having a blend of technological advances and more rural structures is helpful.
A suggestion I would have would be for the campus to perhaps have a more structured plan on what the volunteer team could do on campus, outside of communing with the girls and participating in their activities. I really enjoyed all the free time I had to get to know the girls without having to distract them from their duties of school and their children. I would have liked to learn more about their stories and hopes for the years to come. I would have also liked to be able to leave them with more, without inserting too much privilege on them. I also think a chance for the girls to go out into the city or something of that sort, would be a great treat for them.
Thank you for creating such a wonderful organization that really provides some excellent structure, support, discipline, and safe space for these young women. They will forever be in my prayers and I hope, pray, and plan to see them again soon!
I did a 10-week internship at ChildVoice Lukome Center in Uganda. I am convinced that my experience there will definitely have a significant impact on my life in the future.
The internship was a success because of the prior coordination with the US office. We had weekly online meetings during the internship to ensure that my internship was a success.
Through my involvement with ChildVoice, I truly realised that ChildVoice is an organization that is necessary for children around the world suffering from war and violence.
ChildVoice has an amazing mission and dedicated, awesome staff, to see it through! I love their dedication to measuring and assessing the impact of their programs to continually improve how best to bring lasting hope and healing to children affected by conflict. They are transparent with their finances and focus on effective, efficient, development programs and activities. I'm always excited to hear the amazing stories of transformation and self-sustainability from the girls who have graduated from their programs!
ChildVoice is an excellent organization that helps young women through education. Their menstrual kit program assists youth who have been trafficked. The world needs more non-profits like ChildVoice. Please consider supporting this worthwhile organization.
I recently participated in a fun, but very hot, 500-mile bike ride across Iowa (RAGBRAI) in support of ChildVoice who works with war-affected youth. The incredible heat and humidity index in Iowa was a constant reminder of the heat in Nigeria, Africa. We raised funds to support solar installment and fans in the classrooms. Not only was this a perfect fundraising opportunity for us, the reward was awesome to see the immediate impact on the lives of these traumatized youth. ChildVoice supported us every step of the way, as we biked, sagged, and fundraised for this important project.
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I can think of only a handful of organizations that “put their money where their mouth is” and ChildVoice does just that. While the need is great (i.e., poverty, war, lack of community infrastructure), there seems to be nothing more UNJUST than children who are abducted & forced to be soldiers. ChildVoice is working where the need is greatest, where the work is hardest, where the emotions are most raw; but the rewards are great. Each young girl that enters the gate at the ChildVoice Centre is changed, not just rehabilitated, but loved into healing of body, mind and soul. What a privilege it has been to be a small part of this work!
I first became familiar with ChildVoice a few years ago when they spoke at my Rotary club meeting. The work they do with displaced girls in Africa is moving and inspiring. Yes, they provide shelter and food, but so much more. It's wonderful to see the overall needs of these girls being met, in terms of their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual development. I appreciate how they preserve the integrity and dignity of these young ladies by offering the counseling, life skills and training they need to make a life for themselves. By offering a hand-UP, not just a hand-out, they foster a sense of self-reliance and interdependence which drives community; they offer the precious gift of hope, and truly empower women. It's marvelous to see the difference they are making and I'm happy to continue my support.
My name is Mary Ryan and as the president of the Exeter Area General Federation of Women's Clubs I have had the privilege, along with our membership, of learning about the great work done by Child Voice. Krista Brown is a wonderful representative for this organization and educated us through her presentation at one of our club meetings.
In the area of their Thrive Project, several of our members have had the opportunity to learn and contribute through their sewing skills. We hope to continue contributing our time to this very worthy program.
I have volunteered for ChildVoice for the past two years. The staff is highly dedicated to their mission of helping restore the voices of women and children traumitized and silenced by war. They are an excellant charity.
I have broken bread, sang and spoke with the young women that ChildVoice supports. Their stories are heart breaking but with the support of ChildVoice and their programs, these wonderful women get a chance at a better life!
ChildVoice is an organization that really "walks the walk", and does what it says it does. I have been involved with them for about 5 years, when I started volunteering for the "Thrive project", which supplies menstrual supplies and education to girls in Africa. This project makes a huge difference in girls' lives, helping to keep girls in school and away from traffickers and other abusers.
I had the opportunity to travel to Uganda to see the work first-hand at the Lukome Center, where girls receive education, job and gardening skills, and psychological help. The joy in their lives was evident. I also traveled to a refugee camp where I could see first-hand the hopelessness of the situation and also the hope that ChildVoice brings to the girls there.
I truly cannot think of another organization as worthy of my time and money.
It was my privilege to spend a couple weeks at the Lukome School in Uganda. It is a wonderful place that provides both a haven and an opportunity for girls affected by war and social turmoil. As a seamstress, it has also been my pleasure to make a number of Thrive menstrual kits for use by girls in Uganda and Nigeria. It is another way that ChildVoice can make a very big difference in the lives of girls and young women.
It has been an honor and my pleasure to sew drawstring bags for the menstrual kits used in the Thrive Project for the last four years! I first became aware of Childvoice when I heard an ad on the radio. As an impact partner with Word Radio in New Hampshire (WSEW 88.7), Childvoice has regular notices which caught my attention. I have always enjoyed sewing; this was the perfect opportunity for me to use my skills to bless others. God certainly has a sense of humor in using W-"SEW" to guide me to a program that is so profoundly beneficial to young girls and women who are at risk of abuse. Krista Brown is so helpful when I call to make an appointment to drop off bags and get more "Childvoice" tags. I always enjoy visiting the office in Newmarket, NH. I am blessed every time I see the photos on the walls and read the information and testimonials in the office. It is apparent that this is a totally immersed group of people who truly care about their work and those they serve. The vision that Conrad Mandsager had for this nonprofit is very impressive. Engaging local people in both the Lukome Center and Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Africa, the girls and young women who are helped at these locations can quickly benefit from the support offered. The young women who are helped through this nonprofit are not just getting a hand-out. They are learning, growing and developing skills and a confidence in themselves that will elevate them out of poverty and uncertainty and into a hopeful future. It is my great pleasure to tell others about this outreach program and its amazing impact in the world!
Lorrie Lovely, Lebanon, Maine
I initially learned about the work that ChildVoice does in a lot of "trouble" spots in the world when Conrad Mandsager, the President and CEO of ChildVoice, gave a presentation to our Rotary club about four years ago. Since then I have gotten to know Conrad and his key team members pretty well. I continue to be amazed at what they are accomplishing to help so many in Uganda, Nigeria and now looking at Ukraine and Moldova.
We are currently partnering with ChildVoice to do a Rotary Foundation Global Grant project in Uganda. This project involves manufacturing and distributing the Thrive reusable menstrual pad in and around the Imvepi refugee camp in northern Uganda. This is a large project with many donor Rotarians and Rotary clubs, most from the U.S. but, also some in Uganda. This will benefit many young women with the pads allowing them to stay in school as well as teaching them about feminine hygeine and reproductive issue. The other big factor will be the huge positive impact it will have on the environment since disposable feminine products are having a dramatic negative effect on the environment in third world countries.
We are also looking to partner with ChildVoice on hosting a group from Ukraine through the Open World program (www.openworld.gov). We plan to bring a group of Ukrainian leaders to ChildVoice for training in prevention and recovery from trafficking and sexual exploitation. We hope to develop some new partnerships in Eastern Europe to aid women and children there.
In 2023, my wife and I have tentative plans to go to Uganda to see the work ChildVoice does in person. We will also be checking in on our Rotary Global Grant project. We will continue to help ChildVoice with their mission and encourage others to do the same.
Steve Puderbaugh
Rotary District Governor 2020-21
Learning about ChildVoice and their mission has been eye opening. Comprised of a wonderful group of passionate staff and volunteers, the organization is transparent and fiscally responsible. The work they are able to do on such a modest budget is incredible. Imagine if they had more resources!
I was fortunate to tour the headquarters, watch some videos of their programs in action, and share the experience with others. We did a few sewing circles as a group and learned how impactful our project would be on a young girl’s life-an immediate positive impact. It uncovered a deep sense of gratitude for me.
In my opinion, supporting ChildVoice is an extremely worthy cause. I encourage people to look for ways to become more involved and educated on the issues ChildVoice is advocating for and fighting against. The experience will change you.
A few years ago, I volunteered at ChildVoice, sewing Thrive kits. These are reusable menstruation kits that are distributed to girls in ChildVoice's Girl Empowerment Centers in the refugee camps in northern Uganda and in the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in northeast Nigeria.
This was the beginning of my journey with this wonderful organization.
As I continued to volunteer and learn about their mission, I became even more impressed with the many ways they are enabling the girls to rebuild their lives, regain their dignity, and contribute toward a better future for their children and communities.
This is a well-run organization that is helping to make this world a better place by changing the lives of war-affected children and youth through sustainable interventions, research, collaboration and advocacy.
I am thankful for the work being done by ChildVoice, and I am thankful to have the opportunity to partner with them!
ChildVoice had a sewing group to sew Thrive Kits for the girls. Thrive kits include a bag to hold a belt with washable pads for girls to use during their time of the month. With these kits, they can continue to go to school or their job.
I enjoyed my day of sewing knowing that each kit completed helped another girl.
It was a caring project for me & what a kindness that ChildVoice has given away thousands!
A Rare Find
I do my best to search out charities and NGOs that confront serious needs with devotion, efficiency, and effectiveness. In my experience, none is more worthy than ChildVoice, And I'm not alone. Charity Navigator gives ChildVoice its highest rating rating. That's a remarkable achievement, especially considering the complexity of its ministry and the conditions under which it operates, ranging from severs weather to economic instability and political upheaval.
ChildVoice rebuilds the lives of children of war. Most are adolescent girls in Uganda, South Sudan, and Nigeria who have been stolen, abused, impregnated, and then abandoned.
They escape or are dismissed with nothing but an illegitimate child (or children).
To witness their transformation from hopelessly ruined lives to strong, confident young women in a matter of 12 months is nothing short of amazing. I know. I have witnessed it.
With an 87% success rate, ChildVoice is one of those rare finds that restore broken lives, and in so doing. helps to change the culture of conflict that brutalized them.
They're worth every cent they reveive.
The work that the Lord is doing through ChildVoice is truly amazing. The restorative approach of programs through counseling, education, and vocational training is transformative and honoring to those who experienced horrendous injustices. I appreciate ChildVoice's perseverance and dedication to continue serving during challenging times, especially when a lot of NGOs had to close operations during the pandemic. May God continue to bless the staff and the people ChildVoice serves.
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Lives are genuinely transformed at ChildVoice International. The care, love, and support that the organization provides for former child soldiers and young women truly is amazing. The empowerment that it provides the women by supporting them develop their skills not only as members of society, but also as young mothers truly is inspiring. Those who are unjustly displaced from society socially and economically deserve a chance to live normal lives just like everybody else; and ChildVoice International provides them with such opportunity.
I spent this summer (2021) as an intern with ChildVoice for eight weeks. Through many difficulties with the pandemic, the staff at ChildVoice both on the ground and in the U.S. were amazingly supportive and encouraging. I am blown away by the work that ChildVoice does, creating sustainable solutions to empower traumatized and impoverished individuals. While unfortunately I could not see their programs in full force to the Ugandan lockdown, I can confidently say that ChildVoice does ministry right. I love the staff, love the women, love their children, and most importantly, I love to see how God is working in their lives. I could not speak more highly of ChildVoice!
My daughter was in touch with the founder's family and so I learned about Child Voice. And the founder, decades later, still signs his name personally on the letters and notes I receive in thanks for my donation. Humility marks the success of ChildVoice.
I have known of the work of ChildVoice for a decade and have been extremely impressed. There are many organizations which provide short term relief (fortunately). But ChildVoice is focused on longer term psychosocial counseling, vocational training and mentoring. Dealing with war related trauma cannot be done quickly. ChildVoice is willing to make longer term investments in the lives of war affected children. This is very rare. The end results are changed lives for the trauma victims and just as importantly, their children.
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I have found ChildVoice to be an extremely effective way of helping kids who have been traumatized by war. Their combination of residential and community based therapeutic environments allows many to be helped and provides benefits for the entire community. There is a focus on empowering local employees to do the work as well as using means which will eventually make each effort self-sustaining. The program, expertise and techniques are scalable and transportable to other conflict areas.
As an employee of Word Radio, I was introduced to ChildVoice, a ministry partner. I was so amazed by how God called Conrad and Kathy Mandsager to begin this precious, life changing work. I have been so blessed by my visits to their office in Newmarket, seeing the beautiful photographs that line the halls with all the souls that God has touched, lives He has changed through this ministry. Krista Brown has been a great asset in teaching me about the work, the people involved and the precious young lives being transformed by Christ. It has been such a great joy and privilege to watch all that the Lord is doing in Africa with these dedicated, loving people who said, “Yes Lord.” Even in the face of danger and war, their reply was still, “Yes Lord.” Jesus says whatever we do for the least of these, we do to Him. (Matthew 25:40) ChildVoice is an example of walking out the Word in great love. I am so grateful to be a part of this work.
Tracy Chafe
Outreach Coordinator
Word Radio
We live in a sin-sick world where those void of God's Holy Spirit are capable of the most horrific atrocities. ChildVoice earnestly seeks to make a difference, and is doing so, in young lives affected traumatically in war-torn areas of this world. Not only does ChildVoice provide a safe haven for these youth, but they help them recover from the terrible experiences they have endured. These young people also have the opportunity to learn new skills and develop them so they will be able to function positively in the community where they will live.
The ChildVoice staff are a group of highly dedicated servants of Jesus who have focused their gifts, abilities and resources to the betterment of these young lives. But most importantly is their desire to see these young people give their lives to serve Jesus and to encourage others to do the same.
I am honored to be able to support this ministry and are so grateful for the work they do. ChildVoice helps these young lives see beyond their trauma to understand the value of their lives and the possibility of living joyful, hopeful, fruitful and productive lives for Jesus.
Again, I am so glad I can be a small part of this ministry.
I'm honored to be part of the ChlidVoice family! My family and I have visited the ChildVoice Lukome Center in northern Uganda twice, and both times we felt a sense of peace while also being energized. Peace from the well-designed restorative atmosphere of the Center, and energy from the commitment of the staff and dedication and joy of the girls. ChildVoice is a special organization filling a critical niche. They specialize in serving the most vulnerable population -- adolescent mothers who were victims of trauma, often sexual violence. Yet ChildVoice treats these girls not as victims in need of rescue but as the strong, independent, resilient, and creative survivors that they are. Their programs are designed to level the playing field, giving the girls the basic education, vocational training, and parenting skills they were deprived of because of their circumstances while at the same time providing psychosocial counseling to help them heal from their traumas. The staff display an awe-inspiring level of self-sacrificial love, many leaving their families for months at a time to live at the Lukome Center or one of the refugee settlements where ChildVoice serves. Being a part of ChildVoice's work is a blessing for me and my family.
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To my knowledge ChildVoice is the only organization doing the kind of work they do in the places they do it. Helping the most vulnerable girls in the some of the most challenging, war-torn regions of the world. I had the opportunity to travel to Uganda with ChildVoice and was honored and inspired to meet the staff and girls they serve and to witness lives being changed firsthand.
Childvoice is a rare gem and I have yet to find another non profit like it. They select the most vulnerable of all and work tirelessly to restore their hope and dignity. They do it by designing programs that are successful in the cultures where they work and by employing local staff. This way, their students are able learn and go through counseling in a language they readily understand and with cultural norms they know. Having visited the Lukome center and having met their local staff, I have seen first hand their commitment to their students. This commitment is further underscored by the impressive graduation rates of their students. We met some of them and were fortunate to witness a true transformation of teenagers with little hope and no future into confident employees and business owners who can support themselves and their children. You don't see this kind of a well thought out wrap around program in the non profit world often.
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Childvoice is one of the most impressive nonprofits I have ever worked with. Their commitment, passion to restoring hope and dignity for children affected by war have been evident while working with them in NH and when visiting their center in Uganda. There we were able to see the effectiveness of the services they provide, fiscal responsibility and utmost respect for their local staff and the young women they serve. Their unique service delivery model should be adapted by many other organizations because it is simply so effective.
I have been connected with ChildVoice for the past 5+ years. The work that they do in Uganda, S Sudan, and Nigeria is truly amazing, especially at their Lukome Center. They are small but mighty. I think it is so neat how they employ nationals in their African centers instead of with Americans, and yet the American team is still very involved/very passionate/and are great advocates. Can't say enough good things about ChildVoice.
I highly recommend this nonprofit! ChildVoice is aimed at helping woment and their children learn valuable life and vocational skills while healing from horrific life experiences. These women emerge from this program with heads held high and ready to take on the world once again. ChildVoice also engages in volunteer programs here in the states that benefit the women and children in Uganda. If you want to truly make a difference in lives this non profit is the one for you!
Several years ago our daughter traveled to Uganda to do an internship with ChildVoice. As parents we blindly trusted this organization to watch out for her safety and make the two months meaningful that she donated of her time. What an incredible experience it was for her as she lived amongst the women she served, learned invaluable lessons, and offered up her own insights for future projects. Fast forward to today and now she is working for them! The heart behind ChildVoice's mission is incredible, and the impact they are making on a daily basis is like no other.
The church I attend has been supporting ChildVoice since 2009. ChildVoice does an excellent job of stretching donated funds a long way. One of the goals of ChildVoice's main Lukome Center in Uganda is to become financially self-sustaining, by raising pigs, growing crops, and other initiatives. ChildVoice provides its students there with education, life-skills training, help with basic hygiene and health, and most importantly hope. It is a privilege to support such a well run organization.
I was introduced to ChildVoice through my church. We have had multiple people from our church go to their center in Uganda. I have become very familiar with their mission and the work they do in Uganda. I couldn't help but want to support the work they do. They are truly changing these poor girls lives. Girls that have been torn from their families and forced into horrible circumstances. They are giving them hope and loving them when no one else does. They also support the girls for years instead of just a one time thing to make sure they really thrive. They are one of the first organizations I think of to give money to when I have any extra to give. They do it right in my opinion.
I have been involved with the ministry of ChildVoice for about 8 years. They are a well managed non-profit, always with the best interests of their clients in mind. They communicate well and utilize resources well. They stay true to their mission and clearly want to partner with others to care for the young women in order to give them a fresh start in healthy, whole sustainable lives.
I have been volunteering with ChildVoice for over 12 years, they are an exceptional organization and truly making an impact in the communities they work in! I have personally visited their campus in Uganda twice and met the young women and children that they serve as well as their amazing staff! This is an organization you want to get behind, they are doing such great things!! - Diane
I have had the pleasure of volunteering my sewing skills making reusable menstrual pad kits for the ChildVoice Thrive Project. Of all non-profit organizations for which I have donated my time and sewing skills (27 years and counting), this is one that makes me feel that I am really making a difference. For every single kit I help put together, I am helping another woman in need so that she can attend school without having to miss out one week out of every month. The ChildVoice THRIVE Project teaches girls in refugee settlements how to sew and use reusable menstrual pad kits, and educates them about women's health and emotional wellness.
I have partnered with ChildVoice through many community service events. I love the work they do with women and girls in need. I have always been impressed by their commitment and integrity. I highly recommend this non profit.
ChildVoice International is an incredible INGO. While at the Imvepi Refugee settlement in Uganda working with ChildVoice as a researcher and humanitarian, I was impressed with their sublime work etiquette. ChildVoice staff stood out to me in their humanitarian response - their professionalism and tenderly love toward beneficiaries are unmatched.
I learned a great deal from both staff and beneficiaries and I encourage anyone who wants first-hand experience with humanitarian work, especially with refugees, to consider ChildVoice. I will recommend ChildVoice to students looking for a good place to do their internships and researchers who are looking for a good environment to carry out their field work.
More importantly, ChildVoice addresses essential needs of beneficiaries in a coordinated and efficient manner. Anyone passionate about the welfare of refugee and looking to support a humanitarian agency in this regard should certainly consider ChildVoice.
I went on a trip to Ugands with childvoice 6 months ago. I have been thinking about my time there and the wonderful work they do ever since. I was so inspired that I want to do that kind of work when I grow up. They have really figured out how to be both Christian and really helpful to people who need it most. Leah, age 9
ChildVoice stands as a model for any NGO. They are committed to rehabilitation and development among a very neglected population - adolescent girls and child-mothers. When entering a community, they tread gently - involving the local people at every level. I have traveled to Uganda three times since 2015 and have witnessed the Lukome Center transition to local control. Not only is the transformation among the girls remarkable, but the community itself is revitalized as local people care for and run the center, using their own expertise, learning new skills, and taking active roles in leadership. Yes, the lives of adolescent girls and their children are forever changed by so are their villages! Great NGO!!!!
I worked with ChildVoice this summer. It was an amazing organization to work with. I particularly appreciate how they aim to give the young ladies skills, knowledge, and resources that will help them to become self-sufficient when they leave the program. They focus on the self-development of their participants: spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally. All their activities and work efforts are aimed at helping the girls get ahead in life. They seek to come alongside the girls, partnering with them in helping them accomplish certain goals of well-being. The girls of the program, once accepted, have the opportunity to be part of a community that genuinely loves them and wants the best for them in the long-run. The program is very intentional about helping the young ladies--in the 'place where they are.' Many of them have suffered traumas, abuse, and suffering, and CV recognizes that healing takes time, a safe place, and a loving community where they can begin to heal.
As a former education professional, what impresses me most about ChildVoice is their ongoing commitment not only to helping severely traumatized, at-risk adolescent girls in vulnerable populations heal, but also to helping them develop valuable life and work skills.
I have been volunteering with ChildVoice for almost a year now, and had the opportunity to visit their work in Uganda last spring. I have to say that they are amazing. Many organizations give lip service to helping the poor, but ChildVoice really makes it happen. And there are so many more girls who could use their help. We got to visit some of the graduates of the program now working in the community, and it is obvious that what ChildVoice is doing really works!
In 2014 I was looking for an internship to fulfill a college requirement, and I found ChildVoice. To this day, it's one of the best experiences I've had overseas. It's not an opportunity where you get to just travel to see and observe culture, but you get to dive in deep and immerse yourself by living with the locals and doing life beside them. I had the unique opportunity as a college student to participate in a self-directed, international internship program with the freedom of project ideas. They were so willing to accommodate my needs as I traveled around researching the current status of a post-war area and evaluating the needs of the community at the time. They stood out to me as an organization because it was started by an American, but is run on the ground by locals.
The heart of the organization is to empower women and children. Restoring the voices of children silenced by war is something I was excited to be a part of and can easily say I've not seen an organization do a better job!
I have a high respect for ChildVoice and the work that they do because of not only their devotion to sharing God's love and truth, but also in the cultural-sensitive manner in which they does it. I interned with them for 6 weeks in the summer of 2019. All the counselors, case workers, and teachers I met there are very passionate about the people there and in all that they do and all the relationships they build they are intentional, thorough, and compassionate. Their curriculum-development is very culturally relevant as well as relationally and spiritually encouraging. They are aware of their strengths as well as their limitations and is open to working in a cooperative and helpful manner with the other non-government organizations there not for their own honor but for Christ and the good of the people there. I believe the hope and joy that radiates from the people there speaks to the good work that ChildVoice is doing even among difficult circumstances and hardships.
I have been involved in ChildVoice
as a Director and donor for over 4 years. Its mission is to restore the voice of girls and their children who have been tramatized by war. It is now operating in 3 African countries and has changed the lives of many girls. I know there is careful fiscal policy and integrity among all the staff and volunteers. I will continue to support ChildVoice.
The four trips to Uganda to serve at the ChildVoice Lukome Center has been a transformational experience. The lessons learned as I served alongside staff and other team members has transformed my commitment and service philosophy. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization dedicated to kingdom building and changing the legacy we leave to our children.
What I like most is that ChildVoice is building a farm that will eventually yield enough income to sustain the entire Ugandan operation. That is what I consider to be a great investment in this mission as it will permanently improve the lives of adolescents for many years to come.
My experience with ChildVoice was (for lack of better words) amazing! I was 17 years old when I went to Uganda through ChildVoice. I got to see how the staff there restored dignity and self worth into these girls, my age, who have been through such things that I couldn’t even imagine anyone going through! These girls lives were transformed because of God's work through ChildVoice! By far one of the best experiences in my life so far!
From my experience, I've seen that ChildVoice restores dignity to at-risk adolescent girls and teaches them the skills they need to live successful lives in their villages and towns. I love that there are so many opportunities to serve as a volunteer with ChildVoice and do meaningful work.
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Volunteering with ChildVoice is one of the most meaningful things I do. The work they do with at-risk, war-affected adolescent girls from Uganda, South Sudan, and Nigeria is so very important, and I feel blessed to be part of it. Working with the girls and then telling their stories to friends and family helps others understand how ChildVoice provides healing and hope in their lives.
I've worked with ChildVoice as an intern, volunteer and now as a board member. The organization is focused entirely on supporting the girls it works with. The staff have an abundance of experience and knowledge. I've been honored to work with them in different ways and will continue to do for many years to come!
After 10 years of volunteering in different parts of Africa, I was so blessed to become a member of two Child Voice teams in Uganda . This is a nonprofit that walks the talk. I watched in joyous amazement at the sustainable transformational work being done at the Lukome Center and Imvepi refugee camp in Uganda. Child Voice's success in restoring the voices of these children so traumatized by war is visible in so many wonderful ways - the genuine smiles of faces which had forgotten how to smile, the trauma healing which restores faith in the goodness in our world, the physical healing to restore and strengthen bodies which were used and abused, and the vocational training to provide the path forward. And as those voices are restored, a new generation of children have hope and inspiration for a better tomorrow. I look forward to my next journey with this incredible organization.
I have walked beside ChildVoice for about 10 years. They work with highly traumatized young girls that most other NGO’s say are beyond help. Their results are amazing! This organization is well managed and highly focused! Strongly recommend ChildVoice!!
I've been on two trips to Uganda with ChildVoice and I want to go back again. This is an organization that knows how to support the local community they are serving, and focus on those that they can impact. I don't have enough good things to say about the things this organization is doing and the way they are run.
ChildVoice has been making an impact in one of the toughest regions and one of the toughest ministries for years. It is exciting to see how God has continued to transform the lives of the girls that it reaches. As a donor, it is always helpful to see firsthand the results of the ministry we are supporting. ChildVoice helps us as donors get to know and see the impact the ministry is having on these girls as they heal from very traumatic experiences. It gives us confidence that God is using them and that we can share in what God is doing through them to reach these girls.
My first trip with CVI to Uganda was in November 2007 during the ‘early days’ of the program. The young women in class 1 were ‘in residence’ at the school, the original center. The program already had strong foundations that included counseling, spiritual development, individualized plans, and parenting skills for ‘the girls’ in the program who had experienced so much trauma and loss in their lives; the vocational training program was in the early stages. This program of rescue and restoration was on the site of one of the largest massacres in Uganda’s bloody conflict. Girls who were harmed in so many ways were being given hope and a future through the love of Jesus and the dedication of ChildVoice. It was inspiring.
Travelling back to Uganda 10 years later in August 2017 to see the growth and development of the program was even more inspiring. ChildVoice has moved from the school to an amazing campus which includes an impressive farm. This location was formerly the planning center for the LRA but now is the beautiful community bringing restoration and love. The ‘campus’ is filled with lovely small huts that serve as homes of the girls and their children with larger huts containing classrooms. The staff is some impressive – caring, compassionate, intelligent, passionate and committed. The vocational program is very mature and comprehensive with mastery of their specialties, including Tracy the culinary and bakery instructor who is a ChildVoice graduate.
Now the program is continuing to grow and serve young women from South Sudan in the Invepi camp in Uganda and girls in Nigeria who have escaped Boko Haram. I am thrilled to continue to volunteer for ChildVoice and the great work they are doing.
In November of 2017 I was able to go serve on a trip with Childvoice. It was my first time traveling to another country, riding a plane, and serving on a mission field. At first the trip was pretty intimidating and I was nervous about how smoothly I would be able to step in and help.
The wonderful staff with this organization was amazing and a great joy to work with. They made me feel comfortable and safe.
What I loved about my experience most was the incredible mission that this group of people have dedicated themselves to. “Giving a voice to the children silenced by war.” It is evident that the people with Childvoice are actively fighting for these children and adults affected by war.
I will never forget the lessons I learned, nor the heart of these peopl!
What an experience ChildVoice gives to not only women and children overseas, but locally as well! They offer volunteerships for people with disabilities to develop social and vocational skills in our own communities. I had the privilege to volunteer at the New Market location as well as the Lukome Center in Uganda. The healing and love that takes place is praiseworthy!
I traveled with ChildVoice to their Lukome Center in northern Uganda in Nov. 2017. I was impressed at how the staff was very thorough in walking with the team in preparing the team for the trip, both prior to going and upon arrival back in the states. The Center's facilities, educational and vocational training were both modern, yet culturally specific for the Ugandan/Sudanese girls who go through the program. I would highly recommend ChildVoice to anyone looking to get involved with a NGO in Africa.
I went to Uganda with Childvoice after graduating college for about a month and had the most amazing experience. I couldn't be more thankful for that time, and all that I learned about the lovely Ugandan people and culture.
I had the privilege of working with ChildVoice last November and the amazing work they are doing with these young women cannot be understated. They are teaching them to be the young woman that God intended them to be, teaching them valuable life skills, and helping get on their feet. The relationships built there are genuine and truly awe inspiring. They are making a difference and expanding their reach to many more areas in need.
I traveled to ChildVoice's Lukome Center and their operations at Imvepi Refugee Settlement in November 2018. The work they are doing to give war-affected girls and their children is amazing! Girls who have been traumatized by war, poverty, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking are receiving the loving care needed to heal and the vocational training necessary for them have a chance at better future for themselves and their children.
It was a life-changing experience to live at center and be a part of these girls lives, and lives of the staff. If you ever want to see God in action here on earth, contact ChildVoice and join one of their teams traveling to Uganda!
Words cannot describe the impact ChildVoice has had on those who visit and those who reside there. The young women at the center are served well and equipped to provide value in the form of love and education in their communites. This organization is a true blessing to everyone whose path intersects with it. A big "thank you" to ChildVoice and their staff for all they do.
I did not want to go and I knew i would never go back. So what happened to me? Seeing the Lukome center, getting to know the girls, and witnessing the staff’s dedication to them changed me. I hope they remember papa because I’ll remember them for a long time (or until I go back).
ChildVoice is an incredible organization that truly makes a huge impact on the lives of these girls and their children. God is working in big ways through ChildVoice. I am forever changed from traveling to Uganda and meeting the amazing staff and girls.
I just returned to the U.S. from the ChildVoice Lukome Centre in Lukodi, Uganda. It is amazing what they have done in just 10 years. I have had the opportunity to glimpse first-hand how God is using ChildVoice to bring hope to these girls. The experience has changed my life, and I intend to return again.
Child Voice is an exceptional organization! I have visited Uganda twice this year and each time opened my heart and my mind to the needs of others in a way that has changed my life forever. Even though I have been serving in the human services field for a long time, being at Child Voice renewed my passion and compassion for serving others. This is a 5 star organization.
My wife and I have served in ministry in mostly urban communities most recently in the Seaboard Region of New Hampshire. I had the privilege of travelling to Uganda with ChildVoice and it was hugely transformational for me personally and in my capacity as a Pastor. The organization provided in depth orientation, and information coupled with a demonstrated knowledge of the country's infrastructure and diligent care for those travelling abroad. The work they are doing in Uganda is exceptional, having witnessed the complexities of 3rd world developments and the challenges many non profits experience, ChildVoice is navigating those challenges and leading the way for sustainable program models. If you desire a life changing experience and a desire to view the world from a one of a kind vantage point, investing and partnering with ChildVoice will achieve that and more in your life.
If you want to support a non-profit that is empowering young women to be transformed from the most vulnerable of their population to powerful members in society, here you have it. This organization far exceeds all expectations in walking with former child soldiers, young mothers and children seeking holistic healing from trauma and social barriers. The young women receive counseling, vocational and parenting skills, and gain a better understanding and ownership of their tribal culture. The staff invest an incredible amount of time and love in all of the student's and children's well-being. Please consider learning more about the encouraging work ChildVoice International is a part of!
ChildVoice International is a fantastic organization that empowers young women facing devastating social challenges resulting from the civil war in Northern Uganda. CVI's goal to restore and rehabilitate shines through at every level through the Ugandan leadership presence in the organization, the commitment to helping the women thrive outside of CVI whether in the village or city context, the use of land and societal integration as the women volunteer in the local village of Lukodi, and the depth of emotional, psychological, spiritual, and physical care the women receive during their residence. It is truly inspiring.
CVI commits to caring for these women long after they leave the center. They continue to maintain relationship, offer support, and even jobs if people feel called to work at the center for future "classes" of women entering the rehabilitation center.
What is most impressive is the way that CVI comes alongside women with dignity, true resources, and the phenomenal gift of love.
Childvoice is an amazing organiztion that lovingly cares for the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of its students. God is undeniably restoring young women who've been negatively affected by the Ugandan Civil War through this miraculous non-profit.
Childvoice International has made incredible efforts toward rehabilitating women and their children who have experienced various levels of hardship in their lives. I love that they address physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, while preparing these women for successful integration back into their communities. And that they have had so much success doing so! The women are strengthened in so many ways, and their growth over time is truly tremendous.
Childvoice International is an incredible organization that truly improves the lives of many young women and children not only for the time they spend in the program, but for years to come. It is a place that allows war affected women and children to experience holistic healing and restoration. My time spent at CVI was rewarding, eye-opening, and life changing. I had an amazing opportunity to see a particular class of women and children twice - first at the beginning of their time at CVI and once again an entire year later. The transformation these women had experienced was absolutely undeniable. CVI is doing great work, lovingly caring for women and children, and leaving a lasting impact in Northern Uganda.
This organization does phenomenal work with and for these women and their children that both develops them spiritually, emotionally, professionally, and socially, as well as honors their rich, dynamic stories.
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I know members of the board of directors and have complete faith that their practices and programs through Childvoice are making a difference. They have strong family values and passions to make a difference in this world. This group of people have purposely chosen to create this organization because they care to make an impact on world issues.
I volunteered with ChildVoice for a bit this summer. The organization showed an extremely strong and genuine interest in the well-being of the war-affected communities of Uganda and was truly doing amazing work, assisting those "silenced by war" through recovery, whether by means of therapy, education, or vocational training. It was an honor to serve with them.
I just returned from a summer internship with Child Voice. Rather than be a part of a large, established NGO, I really wanted to volunteer my time doing art therapy with a smaller grass-roots organization that deeply cared for the surrounding community and specifically worked with formerly-abducted individuals. Child Voice fit that bill perfectly and I can honestly say after 11 weeks of living in Gulu and visiting many different organizations and networks, that they are truly a unique operation. During my time there, Child Voice operated on a completely Ugandan based on-ground staff. Amazing! I had the privilege of meeting with girls who had graduated from Child Voice's program and I can't emphasize enough how much these girls' lives have been changed. Child Voice equips them with the life skills they need to provide for themselves and their children, but also to maintain their personal faith, hope, and dignity. This organization wants to give their girls a hand up and not a hand out. They strive to do what's best for the girls, community, and be culturally appropriate in every step they take instead of bringing in their western ideals and "do-it-our-way" attitude. I would definitely recommend volunteering your time with Child Voice, making a donation, or supporting them buy purchasing beads that the Child Voice bead women make.
I have just returned from a mission trip to ChildVoice's Lukome Center in Northern Uganda. I have been interested in the plight of East Africa and studied about what has happened and what is being done to help these countries. ChildVoice is the only remaining NGO that is specifically there to help women and children who come back from life in the bush. While the war has moved out of N. Uganda, people are still escaping and returning home. The things they have been witness and participate in are beyond words. Without ChildVoice and the program, these kids and their kids would be lost in a country that couldn't take care of them and that wasn't sure they could be trusted. I have witnessed, first hand, the progress these girls make and the joy and excitement they have for life and the forgiveness they experience. All are overwhelming and moving. I have never witnessed such indomitable spirits and feel priviledged to have gotten to spend two weeks helping ChildVoice!
I am an environmental engineering student at the University of New Hampshire. Myself and two others just returned from a two week trip for Engineers Without Borders working with ChildVoice. They were extremely helpful with everything, and without their help we would have not been able to accomplish as much as we did. All of the staff was very nice and generous. They made me feel welcome, safe, and at home. We plan to travel back to continue our project implementing a well and working to fix other sources of water in the region. I am excited to return to the ChildVoice center in Lukodi. They made our trip as easy and enjoyable as possible. I have been back home for three days, and I already miss Uganda.
We (Engineers Without Borders at the University of New Hampshire) are currently working with CVI on a drinking water project, and we recently returned from a trip to their center in Northern Uganda. They were very cooperative and helpful, both in the US and on our trip. We definitely could not have accomplished our goals in the time that we had without their logistical help with arrangements such as obtaining drivers/translators.
There are no words to describe the effect the people of northern Uganda have had on me and on my life. It's because of my involvement with ChildVoice that I have been blessed with this rich experience. I've been to northern Uganda with ChildVoice three times since 2007. The beauty of ChildVoice is that it's a young, grassroots effort. So working with the orgnanization takes you right into the heart of the matter...living in mud huts in rural Africa, interacting personally with precious Ugandans who are working to recover from years of rebel violence or time in captivity with the LRA, caring for babies and children who were born in the bush, etc. As much as I wanted to pour my compassion in to them, I left overflowing with all they had taught me. Seeing the transformation of young women from my first encounter in 2007 to subsequent encounters over the next few years was amazing and a true testament to the value of the work ChildVoice is doing in northern Uganda and preparing to do in war zones around the world. I am proud and blessed to have been able to participate in the mission of ChildVoice International. www.childvoiceintl.org
As a current long term volunteer for ChildVoice, I continue to be impressed by the programs that the organization offers not only to girl beneficiaries and their children but also their involvement in the Lukome community as a whole. To see the huge impact that ChildVoice has had on so many people and to think that the organization is only a few years old is really remarkable. The programs the organization offers to its beneficiaries are always expanding and I am honored to be a part of the team.
Falling asleep in a mud hut, listening to the joyful sounds of girls and their children singing and praying is an experience I will never forget. As a volunteer with ChildVoice, I had the opportunity to spend two weeks in Uganda, working with the girls and staff. It was a life changing experience, spent in the African bush with people who have experienced the worst of mankind's inhumanity. CVI is reforming former child soldiers, and providing them with the life skills and education necessary to reintegrate into their communities as productive citizens. Not only has the circle of violence stopped for these girls, but it has stopped for their children as well. Where there was once pain and hardship, there is now hope.
I have been to Childvoice Centre in Lukodi two times. In November 2009 and 2010. It was amazing the difference in the girls. The have grown so much and are now ready to go back to their communities. At the centre they learn a trade so they are able to support themselves and their child. They receive counseling to help them with the trauma of the war and what happened to them. Most important they learn how much God loves them and they learn to love each other and be a family. The centre also provides income to the community by making paper beads. Spending time at the Centre is a wonderful way to see what a difference Childvoice has made in the lives of these girls.
In late October 2010 I spent one week at the ChildVoice center in Lukodi. By all accounts I witnessed an incredible operation that both cared for and nurtured young women and their children who were affected by the war. It was clear the leadership at Childvoice makes it their priority to redeem the lives of the young women under their care.
As a Board Member since 2006, I've been privileged to watch ChildVoice grow from just an idea, to a functioning vibrant organization that is truly making a difference in the lives of children affected by war. I've visited Northern Uganda each of 5 years, and have personally witnessed how the programs established by ChildVoice have been able to transform the lives of former child soldiers into strong and confident young women, now able to return to their communities fully capable of supporting themselves and their families. ChildVoice is stepping in where many nonprofits are unwilling to go, and providing support at a level necessary to lift up the lives of women and children whom many have forgotten or abandoned.
I have had the privilege of being a part of ChildVoice since its inception in 2006. It has been amazing to witness the growth, impact, and commitment that ChildVoice has made to the people of Lukome, the girls in northern Uganda, and the generations to come.
I spent time at CVI's Lukome Centre in Northern Uganda during June, 2010. I can't think of a more powerful experience in my life. ChildVoice is a Christian organization that works to rehabilitate former child soldiers - young women who were abducted at a very young age and forced to fight in Northern Uganda's war and bear children. Seeing the transformation of these young women and their kids was incredible. Whether I was spending time singing in morning chapel, farming alongside the young women who live at the Centre, playing with their toddlers, or talking with the girls around the campfire in the evening, none of the time was fruitless. It was such a joy to be at CVI.