My Nonprofit Reviews
Jane Edge
Review for ChildFund International, Richmond, VA, USA
As a former senior executive with ChildFund (several years as CEO in Australia and then five as Regional Director in Asia) I know first-hand the difference the organisation makes in the lives of children in the poorest parts of the world. I regularly visited programmes from Indonesia and Afghanistan to Kenya and Ethiopia and was always inspired by the incredible determination of children, young people and their families to shape their own destiny through the long-term support provided by ChildFund.
I vividly remember meeting a Ugandan woman named Immaculate who was chairing a cattle restocking project - she spoke with such pride and passion about what it meant to her community to have livestock again (their cattle had been stolen by rebels)...they could feed themselves, provide milk for children, pass on calves to other villagers. Even more importantly, this project had given them hope again.
I have 15 years' worth of stories just like Immaculate's...real people with names and children and sisters and brothers who, with a hand up from ChildFund, have grabbed a new future with both hands.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
numerous countries around the world. Interestingly, I joined the organisation from the rather skeptical standpoint of a journalist and certainly asked my share of tough questions at the job interview! At that time, and in the following 15 years, I was impressed by what I saw and heard from staff, families, communities and partners who, together, were always committed to ensuring the wellbeing of children.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
In a consulting capacity I've worked recently with a global team in ChildFund who are helping the wider organisation further strengthen and expand its programmes to reach even more children. Certainly in the four years since I left the organisation, there's evidence of tremendous evolution and a clear strategic direction that a very passionate, articulate and committed group of people around the world are now striving to deliver.
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
What is unique about this organization?
It's unwavering commitment over more than seven decades to promoting child development and well-being. In particular, ChildFund strives more than most to put real ownership, control and resources in the hands of those at the heart of the work - children, youth and communities - which creates a fundamental foundation for sustainable change.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
