My Nonprofit Reviews

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