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Ever wonder what it truly means to be a part of the Peace Corps, especially in a country with such a rich history like Sierra Leone? Our guests, Nat Kofi Abu-Bonsrah, a current volunteer, and Michael Lee, a returned volunteer and president of Friends of Sierra Leone, share their inspiring journeys. Nat provides a unique perspective on his role in sustainable development, while Michael reveals the continued commitment of Friends of Sierra Leone to foster positive change and collaboration between nations. Their stories shed light on personal motivations and the broader impact of Peace Corps service, which has been a cornerstone of community development in Sierra Leone since 1962.

Peace Corps service is far from a leisurely escape, but it is a life-changing and transformative experience for young adults and rewarding for older adults who want to do more with their lives, and have an impact on the world. Together with our guests, we break down the misconceptions about age limits and the purpose and impact of peace corps as a force for good, emphasizing the challenging yet rewarding experiences that come with service in the Peace Corps. From recent graduates to retirees, the Peace Corps welcomes a diverse group of individuals ready to embrace personal growth and cultural exchange. As we explore these narratives, we also consider potential barriers impacting younger generations and how evolving application processes might open doors to future volunteers.

Journey with us into the volunteer experience in Sierra Leone, where community spirit thrives, and vibrant colors light up the festivities. This episode also shines a spotlight on Friends of Sierra Leone (FOSL) and their diligent work to maintain engagement between former volunteers and the country. Initiatives like grants for local projects and virtual talks are just a few ways they strengthen these vital connections. Finally, we discuss the transformative power of collaboration, enhanced by modern communication technologies, and express gratitude for the optimistic future fueled by Peace Corps volunteers' dedication and cultural exchange.

go to helpingchildrenworldwide.org to learn how you can be a part of the solution

A new documentary on orphanage response - the right way!

Bring voices from the global south to a policy conference with the potential to change the world!

There is no shortage of need in this big, messy world, but with your help, together we can change the world!

Helpingchildrenworldwide.org

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What happens when five remarkable young adults transition from the regimented life of an orphanage to the uncharted reality of post-orphanage life? Join us on Optimistic Voices as we welcome these inspirational individuals who grew up at the Child Rescue Center Orphanage in Sierra Leone and now stand as influential care leaders. From navigating transportation challenges and irregular meal times to adapting to a lack of protection and electricity, their stories are a testament to resilience and adaptability. Gain insights into their journey and the broader implications for care reform for orphans and vulnerable children worldwide.

Our heartfelt conversation reveals the emotional and practical struggles of reconnecting with family and integrating back into society after years in care. Our guests candidly discuss the essential life skills they missed out on due to gender roles and reflect on how the orphanage instilled discipline, personal hygiene, and academic readiness. The challenges of blending back into family life highlight the complexities and resilience required during these transitions, underscoring the role caregivers play in shaping the futures of care leavers.

The episode also touches on preparing care leavers for the world, emphasizing the importance of community integration and realistic preparation for life post-care. Listen as our guests share their experiences of becoming parents and spouses, focusing on building strong bonds with children and fostering open communication. We wrap up with a hopeful vision for the future, advocating for family-based care and inviting mission-minded communities to join forces in creating a better world for vulnerable children. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that champions resilience, adaptability, and the power of collective action.

go to helpingchildrenworldwide.org to learn how you can be a part of the solution

A new documentary on orphanage response - the right way!

Bring voices from the global south to a policy conference with the potential to change the world!

There is no shortage of need in this big, messy world, but with your help, together we can change the world!

Helpingchildrenworldwide.org

Send us a text

What if your church could transform lives across the globe while strengthening your local community? Discover how two Virginia pastors, Reverend Gina Anderson-Cloud and Reverend Jason Duley, have achieved this through enduring partnerships with NonProfits such as She Believes in Me, CornerStone, Backpack Buddies, and Helping Children Worldwide. Hosted by Emmanuel Nabieu, this episode of the Optimistic Voices Podcast takes you behind the scenes of church/nonprofit collaborations that make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.

Explore the remarkable stories of transformation in Sierra Leone and Northern Virginia, where initiatives like food assistance programs and refugee aid have left a lasting impact. Learn about the profound contributions of Floris in Fairfax County, VA and Galilee Church in Loudon County, VA, two churches in the Greater DC area and the diversity of their family-oriented missions and partnerships with NGOs - from educational support for local children, to building a hospital in Sierra Leone, providing opportunities for impoverished children to attend universities, and the value of small contributions, such as the heartwarming Backpack Buddies program. This episode paints a vivid picture of how united efforts can create ripples of change that span continents.

We also tackle the crucial elements that sustain these impactful partnerships: trust, transparency, and a shared mission. Hear personal anecdotes and heartfelt reflections on biblical teachings to love one's neighbor, fostering unity across cultural and geographical boundaries. Join us as we celebrate exemplary global outreach, radical collaboration, and the inspiring journey of connecting people to God’s love through dedicated service.

go to helpingchildrenworldwide.org to learn how you can be a part of the solution

A new documentary on orphanage response - the right way!

Bring voices from the global south to a policy conference with the potential to change the world!

There is no shortage of need in this big, messy world, but with your help, together we can change the world!

Helpingchildrenworldwide.org

Send us a text

Why do African social workers believe that it is essential that local governments, foreign donors, and parents understand that children living in orphanages should be returned to family homes? Join us as we explore the profound journey and epic revelations of two social workers devoting their careers to making this change across the continent of Africa, starting with orphanages in their own country. David Musa and Rosamund Palmer from the Child Reintegration Center (CRC) in Bo, Sierra Leone discuss the experience of change, and the unexpected areas of resistance, and what they find is behind it. Discover the intricacies of how the CRC is reshaping child care by helping others do what the CRC did, moving away from institutional settings to nurturing family-based environments. David and Rosamund share their experiences training social workers, engaging orphanage directors, and advocating for an attachment-focused approach that fosters strong bonds with children returning to family homes.

Our episode delves into the pivotal role of the Transition Coaching and Mentoring Department (TCM) at CRC. Learn about the power of mass media campaigns that educate communities on the benefits of family care and the harm caused by orphanages. Hear about the unique training workshop for media personnel that ensures accurate reporting on family reunification and child welfare, and why regular follow-ups, training, and mentorship are essential for organizations in transition. This discussion underscores the importance of relationship-building and trust in achieving successful transitions from orphanages to family homes.

Finally, we address the significant challenges faced in transitioning from residential care institutions to family-centered care models, particularly in Sierra Leone. David and Rosamund discuss their strategy of local engagement to garner national government support and the CRC’s own discovery of how this change permits organizations to exponentially grow their impact. CRC supported 40 children in residential care, and for the same budget, are now able to support nearly 1600 children by strengthening 450 families. We call on American donors to rethink their contributions to orphanages and instead support family-based programs. Join us as we envision an orphanage-free Sierra Leone within five years and celebrate the optimism from institutions ready to adopt best practices for the betterment of children's lives.

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Discover the unforeseen ripple effects of child sponsorship programs with Dr. Laura Horvath, Jared Scheppman, and Kelly Strong as we dissect the challenges and triumphs in philanthropy's evolving landscape. As we navigate this complex terrain, our guests reveal how well-intentioned aid can sometimes miss the mark, inadvertently creating dependencies that hobble the very communities they intend to uplift. With a watchmaker's precision, we analyze the intricacies of international aid, focusing on the necessary shift from quick fixes to sustainable, community-driven development.

The journey toward ethical advocacy is fraught with obstacles, yet it's one that our guests and I tackle with unwavering commitment. This episode peels back the curtain on the delicate process of shifting from child-centric to family-centric models, highlighting the language and financial challenges that arise. Our heartfelt conversation extends gratitude to those donors who've held steadfast through the transition, illustrating the power of aligning with shared values over personal interest.

Ending on a note of optimism, we share tales of resilience and hope that fuel our mission for children separated from family care. Kelly and Jared, with their tireless dedication and sharp intellect, embody the change-makers forging a path to a brighter future. By embracing radical honesty and collective action, we underscore our belief that even amidst overwhelming odds, we can make a profound difference in the lives of the most vulnerable. Join us in this critical conversation as we champion ethical and moral advocacy for children worldwide.

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Part One:

Discover the transformative power of reimagined humanitarian aid in our latest episode of Optimistic Voices. Join me, Dr. Melody Curtis, along with experts Dr. Laura Horvath, Jared Scheppman, and Kelly Strong, as we share our journey from traditional child sponsorship models to a new paradigm that champions community empowerment. We're peeling back the curtain to reveal the ethical dilemmas and strategic decisions that are reshaping the way we support vulnerable children around the world.

The narrative of child sponsorship is being rewritten, and you're invited to listen in as Jared discusses the rationale behind EKISA aschewing child sponsorship for an innovative fundraising effort that doesn't "throw the baby out with the bathwater." As our conversation unfolds, we explore how this organization has courageously stepped away from individual sponsorships to pioneer a collective approach that enriches entire communities. This crucial episode uncovers the reality of these programs — from the potential to unintentionally propagate paternalism to the inspiring possibilities that emerge from consistent, holistic support.

Kelly Strong spotlights how their bold rebranding of a monthly giving program places family empowerment at the forefront. Hear firsthand from Dr. Laura Horvath about how her organization grappled with the false narrative that lifelong personal bonds are developed through child sponsorship, and their decision to adopt a new way of speaking about dedicated donors advocating and partnering with workers to uplift and protect entire communities. The insights shared by our panel challenge traditional donor roles and highlight the importance of sustainable change, ensuring that this episode will leave listeners enlightened and potentially inspired to advocate for more equitable forms of humanitarian aid.

But what happens to organizations after they make this decision?

Listen in to our next episode, as these bold leaders discuss with radical honesty the impacts, good and bad, on their organization and its mission.

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When Barbara Sprout accompanied her daughter Kim to Sierra Leone on a mission trip with their church, little did she know it would mark the beginning of an incredible journey, not just for Kimberly, but also for her and her husband Rick, filled with deep connections and life-altering experiences. Rick joined a volunteer crew at the church to pack a container filled with hospital equipment in 2007 to ship overseas to Mercy Hospital in Africa, then traveled years later, humbled to see how his one mundane act had helped to save lives. Today's episode features the Sprouts as they recount their transformative work with Helping Children Worldwide, offering an intimate glimpse into the joy and fulfillment that comes from serving communities in Sierra Leone. From medical outreaches to family support, their heartfelt stories illustrate the profound impact of dedicated service and the visible progress achieved over a decade of commitment.

Have you ever considered the ripple effect your actions can have across the globe? The narrative unfolds as our guests share their engagement with Helping Children Worldwide, discussing the rewarding nature of building relationships and watching children thrive. The conversation takes us on a journey of growth, both personal and communal, showcasing the power of generosity to change lives and the evolution of child care from orphanages to family-focused support. Join us as we share inspiring anecdotes from mission trips and explore the true meaning of service, aiming to ignite a spark in others to discover the deep satisfaction found in helping others.

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Step into the heart of Sierra Leone with us on Optimistic Voices, where Carrie Jo Cain from CHAMPS imparts her wisdom on neonatal mortality and the life-saving power of evidence-based training. Through our conversation, we celebrate a major leap in maternal and child health, with 80 trainees now armed with the expertise to tackle challenges like bleeding after birth and birth asphyxia. Witness the embodiment of hope as these professionals, with Carrie Jo's guidance, forge a path towards a healthier future for mothers and their newborns.

Joining us with tales from the frontlines, Dr. Andrew Justice, a pediatrician with unwavering dedication to global health, recounts his serendipitous journey to Sierra Leone and the transformation he's witnessed by educating nurses and midwives in Essential Newborn Care. His narrative not only highlights the resilience of healthcare workers but also the innovative teaching methods that cross cultural and language barriers. Dr. Justice's reflections provide a vivid account of the complexities and triumphs in elevating healthcare standards under challenging conditions.

Lastly, we pay homage to the midwives of Sierra Leone, true vanguards in the realm of maternal health. Their tireless work and relentless pursuit of excellence are not just improving outcomes but also inspiring change across communities. From their expanded roles to the leadership they embody, the strategies for community engagement they employ are nothing short of revolutionary. Their stories, alongside those of Embrace International nurses like Betty Tenga, underscore the significance of compassionate collaboration and the enduring spirit of those dedicated to nurturing life in its earliest moments.

Kathleen Pfohl is the maternal Health mission intern with Helping Children Worldwide. She is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Global Health Policy at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health in Washington, DC. Through this program she has been building upon her academic foundation in international conflict analysis and resolution, for which she obtained a bachelor's degree from George Mason University. As a full time manager of training coordination with the National Coalition of STD directors, she is am actively involved in advancing public health initiatives. Her professional passion lies in addressing global health challenges, particularly in low and middle-income countries and conflict settings, with a special focus on reproductive and maternal health.

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