tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71864144792518234262011-08-02T13:57:22.110-04:00CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.comBlogger1291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-68697802076148719932009-07-01T15:25:00.002-04:002009-07-01T15:26:12.197-04:00

This blog has moved! Click here to access the new ChildFund International blog.

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-75989931371093514592009-06-30T11:18:00.000-04:002009-06-30T11:19:30.164-04:00

By David Hylton,Public Relations SpecialistAs we look forward to the next chapter in our history, today marks the last day that we are known as Christian Children’s Fund. At our International Office in Richmond, Va., we are celebrating CCF Day today. Employees are wearing CCF shirts, showing off CCF memorabilia and sharing their memories. Here’s a look at some of the CCF items on display: We

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-44199704728679402422009-05-30T09:08:00.002-04:002009-05-30T09:08:00.323-04:00

By Nguyen Thi Hong Phuong, ChildFund Vietnamand David Hylton, Christian Children's FundThis is the final entry in a series of blogs detailing the day in the life of Nam, an 11-year-old boy. So far Nam has gone to school and helped his mother prepare lunch. The rest of the day is a busy one as he continues to help his parents and ends the day studying.2 p.m. Nam follows his parents to the field,

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-48951821374601391282009-05-29T09:00:00.002-04:002009-05-29T09:04:38.630-04:00

By Nguyen Thi Hong Phuong, ChildFund Vietnamand David Hylton, Christian Children's FundThis is the second in a series of blog entries detailing the day in the life of Nam, an 11-year-old boy in Vietnam. After a morning at school, Nam returns home to help out his family. His fathers offers an insight to how Christian Children’s Fund and ChildFund Australia have made a difference in their

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-67500514639092811772009-05-28T16:30:00.003-04:002009-05-28T16:38:33.242-04:00

By Nguyen Thi Hong Phuong, ChildFund Vietnamand David Hylton, Christian Children's FundThis is the first in a series of blog entries detailing the day in the life of 11-year-old Nam. Nam is one of more than 18,000 children in 16 communities in the northern mountainous areas of Vietnam, where ChildFund Vietnam is working to create better lives with programs in education, water and sanitation,

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-53201993155027290182009-05-08T12:22:00.000-04:002009-05-08T12:48:12.552-04:00

By Jason Schwartzman,Director of Program DevelopmentNote: This is the final entry from Jason’s recent trip to the Philippines.I've been in a time warp for almost two weeks, delving into CCF's past, trying to understand the challenges past generations came up against. We stopped organizing orphanages when we realized that mothers were giving up their young children to them. When we were perceived

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-43911588002385235912009-05-08T08:16:00.001-04:002009-05-08T08:16:00.124-04:00

By Mark McPeak,Consultant to CCFNote: Mark helped facilitate the workshop in the Philippines. After day five of the workshop, Mark sent us this blog entry.We’ve just returned from a field immersion that was, for most of us, a real highlight of the workshop so far. Not only was it good to reflect about CCF’s program principles with community members and partners, and colleagues, but staying for a

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-85098166867171073852009-05-07T08:37:00.000-04:002009-05-07T08:37:00.711-04:00

By Jason Schwartzman,Director of Program DevelopmentNote: This is the eighth entry from Jason’s trip to the Philippines.My brother is a journalist, and he's sleeping on the sofa of an unemployed family living in the Midwest on an assignment to profile one family's plight in order to comprehend the economic meltdown impacting all of our American lives. In a brotherly coincidence, I'm sleeping on a

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-60009923186183379182009-05-06T08:23:00.004-04:002009-05-06T08:23:00.534-04:00

By Jason Schwartzman,Director of Program DevelopmentNote: This is Jason’s seventh entry from his recent trip to the Philippines.Having spent the day talking with different groups in this small community in the Philippines, I met the family that would be hosting me for the night. This was part of the week-long workshop to reflect on CCF’s programs. The mom and her four daughters picked me up at

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-88236411680890896502009-05-05T08:31:00.003-04:002009-05-05T08:31:00.292-04:00

By Martin Hayes,Child Protection Specialist for CCFNote: Martin traveled with Jason Schwartzman to the Philippines recently for a workshop to discuss CCF’s programming. Martin is one of the workshop facilitators.Christian Children’s Fund’s new core programs are tried and tested methods to assist with children’s successful transition through the life cycle. Through the support of the core program

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-26912494547042724382009-05-04T09:26:00.004-04:002009-05-04T09:33:05.579-04:00

By Jason Schwartzman,Director of Program DevelopmentNote: This is the sixth entry from Jason’s trip to the Philippines.At 7:30 a.m., our group set out for the Taliba community where we would spend the day; each of us would then spend overnight with a host family. Our group represents Sri Lanka, India, Timor L'Este, Indonesia, the Philippines and the United States. Joining us were a number of

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-13352055267365454582009-05-01T08:05:00.002-04:002009-05-01T08:05:00.722-04:00

By Jason Schwartzman,Director of Program DevelopmentNote: This is the fifth entry from Jason’s trip to the Philippines.In my last blog entry, I shared a few quotes from a retired colleague who was reflecting on how Christian Children's Fund learned over time the importance of working with families as a group, to organize them so they could do for themselves. That colleague's name is Jim Hostetler

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-4181531437385987232009-04-30T08:42:00.008-04:002009-04-30T16:39:17.830-04:00

By Jason Schwartzman,Director of Program DevelopmentNote: This is the fourth entry from Jason’s trip to the Philippines.It’s amazing what you can learn from history, and how relevant those lessons can be for today. The challenges are constant, but the people trying to break through those challenges changes over the years. Separated by generations, it’s only through historical records that we can

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-70242867356508674892009-04-29T15:47:00.002-04:002009-04-30T08:51:33.692-04:00

By Jason Schwartzman,Director of Program Development (Note: This is the third entry from Jason's trip to the Philippines.)"Verent Mills (pictured above) had been the American Advisory Committee’s field supervisor of famine relief in the unoccupied region of Sz Yup since 1941. In his work, he came across hundreds of children – sometimes alone, more often in small groups – wandering the countryside

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-55213781981755570472009-04-29T09:00:00.006-04:002009-04-30T08:51:52.274-04:00

By Jason Schwartzman,Director of Program Development(Note: This is the second entry from Jason's trip to the Philippines.)So I'm in the airport pickup van, racing to this workshop where each National Office in Asia has sent four or so staff to participate in what we've called "Integrating the Bright Futures Approach with CCF's Core Programs - A Pilot Course in Asia." Bright Futures is the name

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-69655643458108002662009-04-28T15:40:00.010-04:002009-04-28T15:55:51.913-04:00

By Jason Schwartzman,Director of Program DevelopmentNote: Jason Schwartzman, CCF’s director of Program Development, traveled to the Philippines recently for a workshop to discuss CCF’s programming. This is the first of several blog entries from Jason’s experience.For the past five months, I've been part of a team headed by the Christian Children’s Fund Asia Regional Office that includes

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-74118325424998154252009-04-24T10:16:00.000-04:002009-04-24T10:18:35.557-04:00

Children in today’s world need help more than ever. The World Bank estimates that 53 million people around the world will fall into poverty this year – that’s the total population of California and Florida combined. And that’s on top of the 1.5 billion people already living in poverty. To address the problems, this is a critical time for Christian Children’s Fund to meet the growing needs of

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-76990122155008597372009-03-16T16:47:00.003-04:002009-03-16T16:49:25.107-04:00

Do you think you can live off 5 gallons of water or less for a day? Then take CCF's World Water Day challenge. Click here for all the details.- David Hylton, Public Relations Specialist

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-75510415662030139132009-01-24T10:53:00.001-05:002009-02-20T10:56:59.065-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision ProjectToday, we're up early and packing. We thought we'd have plenty of room with so much of the equipment being left behind, but Barb seems to have bought so many woven baskets. A total of 7!Gelina picked us up and delivered us to a taxi stand in Roseau. It was a long 1 ½ mile winding ride to the

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-37839514983520055102009-01-23T13:21:00.001-05:002009-02-19T13:25:29.091-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision ProjectWe arrived at the school early and set up the posters in the auditorium so that the kids' classmates could view their work. Everything was on display from 9 a.m. to noon and many of the school's students and teachers came to see the posters. Afterwards, we took all of the posters to the Old

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-70954268644595687032009-01-22T12:33:00.001-05:002009-02-18T12:37:56.968-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision ProjectWednesday we worked all morning on the computer, reviewing the work they did during the field trip, cataloging pictures and choosing the best work to be showcased on each child’s poster. In class, Jack reviewed the most recent work they have done.Today we finished the poster prints and each

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-64869056582866225202009-01-20T12:53:00.001-05:002009-02-17T13:05:30.918-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision ProjectWe head back to Grand Bay today and thankfully the fire is gone. We worked on the computer all morning and then went down to the school with some trepidation.Upon arriving, we are told there had been a shooting in the village and that one person is dead and three others wounded. The shooting

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-69832054062701365302009-01-19T17:02:00.000-05:002009-02-16T17:05:45.948-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision ProjectWe picked up the cameras at the school following the weekend shooting but didn’t find many pictures to download; we'll have to see about that in class. We have a field trip planned to Grand Bay and are hoping that the second field trip will result in more interesting pictures than the first

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-85055525148465467602009-01-18T14:41:00.002-05:002009-02-12T14:51:25.051-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision ProjectOn Saturday we set off on our own adventure, within the scope of our otherwise “Big Adventure.”Gelina took us up into the mountains to an "eco-resort" (in quotes for more than one reason as it turns out). It was a very steep and winding drive up into the mountains; the roads are not well

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-56996696257966648952009-01-16T16:11:00.001-05:002009-02-11T16:34:59.579-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision ProjectWith no cameras to download, we are picked up early by Gelina and head to CCF's office for real Internet service. We are told our meeting with the local photographer has been cancelled, but shortly we hear it's back on for later in the morning.The Internet works well and we get some work

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-46625833589743398792009-01-15T11:12:00.000-05:002009-02-10T11:14:27.945-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision ProjectThe weather finally cooperated with us today and we got a good walk in. After a brief check of the Internet, we start downloading pictures. They are better and there has been more participation; several are actually quite good and creative! We did loosen the rules a little and allowed someone

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-35195071485165759562009-01-14T10:33:00.000-05:002009-02-09T10:44:33.697-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision ProjectPhoto credit: Rick Falco, Vision ProjectCameras are picked up about 9 a.m. with a quick check of the Internet at the school. The results as mentioned are a little disappointing. A couple of the students did not take pictures at all; some only a few. But two had some pretty good shots.At class

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-52439956200098121942009-01-13T13:15:00.001-05:002009-02-06T13:19:09.543-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision ProjectGelina picked us up this morning so that we could go to the CCF office to use the internet and do a little shopping. It pours and pours making it a real challenge to shop, get back to CCF and then on to the bus home. Thank goodness for flip flops!We met with a local photographer who connects us

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-41211195719693145942009-01-12T11:26:00.001-05:002009-01-29T11:38:01.843-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision ProjectYesterday Rick left and although we’re sad to see him go, we’re so thankful for his expertise in getting us started with the photography class.Gelina picked us up and drove him to Loubiere where he took a taxi to the airport. She dropped us at Champagne Beach, where the bubbles come up out of

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-1066843004169539432009-01-10T00:42:00.000-05:002009-01-28T12:43:06.153-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision ProjectToday, Gelina picked us up and we went to visit the Carib Territory – these people are original Indians from the Caribbean, and this is one of the few places where the original Carib people still live. It’s similar to an Indian reservation in the States.The people here are very poor and CCF has

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-83698942532646309222009-01-09T11:18:00.001-05:002009-01-27T11:28:29.282-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision ProjectToday was a great success! We have a projector that works and Jack was able to download a trial CS3 on the computer to streamline our downloading and organizing (and now he has a new program to learn!)While in Roseau we hit two grocery stores, the street vegetable market and came home on the

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-85637004836020890422009-01-08T14:06:00.005-05:002009-01-26T14:10:50.114-05:00

A brief update from Jack ClarkeBefore, we said that..."Only fourteen out of fifteen cameras were returned to us, but we’ll have to find out what happened to the missing one… "We've located the missing camera.One of the students, Fancille, showed up later with it at class! She had left it at home and had to go home to get it in the next village.All is well!

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-62721352929159036052009-01-08T13:23:00.000-05:002009-01-26T13:32:45.461-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision ProjectFirst three photos credited to Rick Falco/Vision ProjectYesterday morning Jack and I went for a very long walk to Stowe and back, which took about 1 and a half hours. The road follows the Atlantic coast and it is lovely.That afternoon was the day the kids got their cameras. It was almost like a

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-17677080925613140942009-01-06T14:53:00.005-05:002009-01-23T15:19:13.219-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision ProjectAll photos credited to Rick Falco/Vision ProjectYesterday and today were both busy days! On Monday we met at the school, were introduced to all the staff and given a tour so that we may choose a room for the class (a room with a view of the sea). Then we were off to Rosseau, CCF headquarters,

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-35073008463265190812009-01-04T10:44:00.009-05:002009-01-22T18:28:00.734-05:00

By Jack and Barbara Clarke, CCF Donors and Rick Falco, President and Creative Director of Vision Project All photos credited to Rick Falco, Vision ProjectIn search of an innovative way to continue giving to children associated with CCF, donors Jack and Barbara Clarke had an idea.They decided to team up with Rick Falco, president and creative director of Vision Project, for the chance to introduce

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-82369894292608460272008-11-21T11:19:00.000-05:002009-01-09T11:23:14.755-05:00

By Scott Phillips, Regional Development Officer (Great Lakes Region) for Christian Children's FundAfter another night in Diamantina we made our way back to Belo.Our last night in Diamantina we ate local fare in a café on the main square. During the holiday season they hold an amazing concert here. Musicians are located in the windows of all the buildings surrounding the square on the second

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-45618166428658500362008-11-20T15:25:00.004-05:002009-01-08T15:43:57.789-05:00

By Scott Phillips, Regional Development Officer (Great Lakes Region) for Christian Children's FundBom tardes!After a quick stop at the local supermarket for some apples, and a few items of food for the road, we were back out of Diamantina and heading to the community of Maria Nunez.Originally a prosperous mining town, the company working here abruptly closed the mines one day and moved out. This

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-57057710154836952452008-11-20T09:45:00.003-05:002009-01-08T15:45:07.418-05:00

By Scott Phillips, Regional Development Officer (Great Lakes Region) for Christian Children's FundYour Place is Meu CerradoWe started the day at our local organization in Diamantina called Procaj, a fantastic program that works in 21 local communities (1,150 enrolled children with 890 sponsored) outside of this historic mining town.In the central space of the office, there are racks of items made

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-64543561497296727992008-11-19T08:58:00.005-05:002009-01-08T15:46:10.323-05:00

By Scott Phillips, Regional Development Officer (Great Lakes Region) for Christian Children's FundNot “oye” as in vey, but Oi!Here in Brazil the common greeting is Oi! However, just in the state of Minas Gerais they change it slightly to Uoi! One of the fastest growing cell phone companies in all of Brazil has taken the name Oi, meaning simple, easy, no trouble.We left Virgem da Lapa this morning

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-46081290296719215492008-11-18T09:01:00.008-05:002009-01-06T10:42:27.806-05:00

By Scott Phillips, Regional Development Officer (Great Lakes Region) for Christian Children's FundI know I said yesterday might have been the quintessential day for me to understand why I love to work for CCF, but I lied. Today was definitely the day!Wet, rainy and soggyWe began in soggy Aracuai. I have to keep telling myself that this area and these people have been in dire need of this rain, so

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-22632096141345648512008-11-17T09:30:00.001-05:002009-01-06T09:25:52.545-05:00

By Scott Phillips, Regional Development Officer (Great Lakes Region) for Christian Children's FundBom Gia, or good morning, from the Jequitinhonha Valley of Brazil. I am spending a few days visiting projects and programs that CCF has in this intriguing area of Brazil, which I have been told are some of the best CCF operates.After arriving at 4:30 a.m. in Belo Horizonte, the capital city of Minas

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-45105969499565619232008-11-16T11:42:00.004-05:002008-12-12T11:59:19.210-05:00

By Athena Boulgarides, Western Region Development Officer (North) for Christian Children's FundFinally; the big day is here! Before we ate breakfast we were asked – ever so kindly – to eat light. The roads up to the project site were very windy and therefore can cause motion sickness. In addition, they had Dramamine available for anyone who needed it.What were we in for? We climbed into several

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-40811575878965307572008-11-15T10:48:00.003-05:002008-12-11T11:01:40.842-05:00

By Athena Boulgarides, Western Region Development Officer (North) for Christian Children's FundTomorrow is the big day! We are all excited to finally meet the children, see the school and celebrate Christian Children’s Fund work. Before that, we’ve taken in some more amazing sights from Thailand.Yesterday, we visited Doi Inthanon, also known as the highest spot in Thailand. We also stopped at

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-55771676361438470512008-11-13T10:54:00.018-05:002008-12-10T11:38:41.181-05:00

By Melissa Candela, CCF Sponsor and Athena Boulgarides, Western Region Development Officer (North) for Christian Children's Fund.Today, CCF sponsor Melissa Candela wanted to contribute to our blog; here’s what she had to say:I’ve wanted to come to Thailand since my ninth grade social studies teacher told the class about her trip here. She and her husband had traveled around the country for about

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-51262625908915665912008-11-09T11:26:00.000-05:002008-12-09T11:58:39.433-05:00

By Athena Boulgarides, Western Region Development Officer (North) for Christian Children's Fund We awakened to another beautiful day in Bangkok. The weather is similar to the springtime in Los Angles, so I feel right at home. Today we get to explore the famous Floating Markets Damneon Saduak in the Ratchaburi Province about 55 miles southwest of Bangkok.We arrived at the market and were escorted

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-90103578417204144852008-11-08T09:17:00.003-05:002008-12-08T10:20:58.309-05:00

By Athena Boulgarides, Western Region Development Officer (North) for Christian Children's FundA group of Christian Children’s Fund sponsors are visiting Thailand to observe CCF’s programs. Here is Day One of their trip:“Is there a McDonald’s in Thailand?” This is just one of the brilliant questions asked by our youngest Study Tour participant, 9-year-old Luc Dochterman from California.I got to

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-40643472568773687872008-11-01T13:00:00.013-04:002008-12-05T15:50:18.820-05:00

By David Hylton, Public Relations SpecialistThe smile on a child’s face … the warmth of a hug … watching the shyness disappear – these are all reasons Christian Children’s Fund sponsors travel on Study Tours to visit their sponsored children.In June, several CCF sponsors traveled to Zambia on a Study Tour to meet children they only knew through letters and photographs, to see CCF’s programs first

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-65640972773520042082008-10-15T16:40:00.000-04:002008-10-15T16:40:59.452-04:00

Start with the Children By David Hylton, Public Relations SpecialistAll day you’ve probably seen what people think of poverty, what they’re doing to help those in poverty and, like our blog today, you’ve probably seen many first-hand accounts of poverty. The United Nations has a goal to halve poverty in the world by 2015 as part of its Millennium Development Goals, but how can we really combat

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-80918147018891617432008-10-15T13:30:00.005-04:002008-10-15T13:30:00.279-04:00

A Small Victory in a Big Fight By David Hylton, Public Relations Specialist The fight against poverty isn’t always about the bad news. Here’s a story on how one girl is living a better life because of Christian Children’s Fund. Nine-year-old Celsia is now living a healthy life. It hasn’t always been this way. Celsia and her family, which includes three siblings, live in Timor Leste where 46

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-22058663638692652952008-10-15T12:15:00.008-04:002008-10-15T12:15:01.186-04:00

Breaking the Circle of Poverty in TaiwanBy David Hylton, Public Relations SpecialistChristian Children’s Fund is a member of the ChildFund Alliance, a family of 12 organizations that partner together to improve the lives of deprived, excluded and vulnerable children and their families in 56 countries. One of those organizations is Taiwan Fund for Children and Families (TFCF).Through the Domestic

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-20053744520049379452008-10-15T10:15:00.019-04:002008-10-15T11:24:07.553-04:00

Poverty As Told Through Youth VoicesBy David Hylton, Public Relations SpecialistAdults can try their best to explain to you how poverty is such a bad thing, but do you really believe what you’re hearing? We can give you the statistics and results from a study, but what does that mean?To understand poverty and to be moved to take action to fight poverty, you have to hear about it first hand. The

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-34183805184140570772008-10-15T08:47:00.005-04:002008-10-15T11:22:52.273-04:00

You Can't Deny the FactsBy David Hylton, Public Relations SpecialistPoverty is a global problem affecting billions of people. In 2002, Christian Children’s Fund conducted a comprehensive study on the experience and impact of poverty on children and youth.As part of Blog Action Day, we wanted to share with you the major findings of the study. Later today we will share with you stories from

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-44201573439673086012008-10-14T16:59:00.015-04:002008-10-15T10:15:10.851-04:00

Blog Action Day, Here We ComeBy David Hylton, Public Relations Specialist“Poverty isn’t something you can fully convey in a photo,” says Christian Children’s Fund President and CEO Anne Goddard. “It is overwhelming. It is massive.”In an attempt to more fully convey the impact of poverty, CCF will join Internet bloggers worldwide on Oct. 15 to take part in Blog Action Day.Blog Action Day is a

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-19299610424323077212008-08-23T14:53:00.003-04:002008-09-20T14:29:26.872-04:00

The Community Owns this CenterBy Stephanie Kulenguski, Web Content EditorAs we bump along the red-dirt road on our way to see an Early Childhood Development program (my first program visit) my mind wanders. What I am going to see? What will the staff talk about? Will the kids want to meet me or will they shy away from me? Anticipation wells up in me and I get that butterflies-in-the-stomach

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-84889899253137675042008-08-21T19:06:00.006-04:002009-05-18T16:34:50.661-04:00

By Cynthia Price, Director of CommunicationsFollowing lunch we travel to Somita Village. The children are dressed in plaid green uniforms and greet us with several songs. They present a drama about the value of education. A father does not want his daughter to attend school but the mother begs him to allow the girl to attend so that she can have a better life. He finally agrees. The daughter

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-81529701903380756582008-08-21T10:28:00.006-04:002009-05-18T16:38:06.689-04:00

By Cynthia Price, Director of Communications We are now in The Gambia. A brief plane ride (less than 30 minutes gets us to this country that is carved out of the middle of Senegal.Although it is the rainy season, we had encountered little rain in Senegal and virtually none in Dakar. However, it’s a different story here in The Gambia. The rains are definitely upon us. At times the rain beats down

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-60592819442157882362008-08-19T18:30:00.011-04:002009-05-18T16:37:22.301-04:00

By Cynthia Price, Director of CommunicationsWe travel to Louly Ndia, a village with 1,147 inhabitants. We learn the history of the village health hut from the president of the health committee. He said the health hut initially was supported by a German woman. But until CCF assisted in coaching the communities, the program wasn’t working. Today it is a thriving program that offers a variety of

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-38922853727677474982008-08-19T12:12:00.003-04:002009-05-18T16:37:02.235-04:00

By Cynthia Price, Director of Communications What a day. We left at 7 a.m. for Mbour to visit the programs. What an incredible experience, but first getting there was equally amazing.One road leads into and out of Dakar. It is crowded (an understatement). Every inch of road is filled with cars, buses overflowing with people hanging out the back door hopping on and off in traffic, mopeds darting

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-37675339769256419472008-08-18T15:16:00.005-04:002009-05-18T16:36:21.763-04:00

By Cynthia Price, Director of CommunicationsIn the afternoon we learn about a micro-finance program that originally was begun by CCF, but is now operated independently, although CCF still serves a technical role. The Institution Mutualiste Communautaire d’Epargne et de Credit (IMCEC) is a credit union created to serve families living in the communities where CCF programs are engaged in

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-39203569865244185942008-08-18T11:45:00.007-04:002009-05-18T16:35:23.874-04:00

By Cynthia Price, Director of Communications My name is Cynthia Price and I am the new Director of Communications for CCF. One of my first assignments is to travel to Africa to see first hand CCF's programs. This is my first trip to Africa and I am looking forward to the experience. On this trip I am visiting two countries in West Africa – Senegal and The Gambia. I’m adjusting to the French

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-14614492427828398122008-08-12T15:24:00.008-04:002008-08-12T16:06:41.812-04:00

Visiting Programs in MexicoBy Michelle Barte, interactive communications manager for CCFThis morning we started out early on our drive from Mexico City to the small town of Santa Maria Tetitla where CCF program Niños Unidos de Tetitla is located. I traveled with assistant Pilar Garcia and program coordinator Pedro Hernandez from Fondo para Niños de México. It was a very bumpy, yet interesting

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-42301514096979161452008-08-07T16:23:00.002-04:002008-08-12T15:45:44.627-04:00

CCF Makes Commitment to Support Youth in the 2010 International AIDS ConferenceBy Sarah A. Roush, program associate for CCFA major theme of the International AIDS Conference has been engaging young people meaningfully in programs and policy. There is a large youth presence at the conference with a special youth program designed to help young people maximize their engagement at the conference and

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-3947353809260700442008-08-06T15:06:00.001-04:002008-08-12T15:45:00.863-04:00

Talking about AIDS and ChildrenBy Sarah A. Roush, program associate for CCFToday’s speech at the International AIDS Conference was given by Dr. Linda Richter, executive director of Child, Youth, Family and Social Development at the Human Sciences Research Council. As Linda noted to thunderous applause, this was the first time that a plenary speech at the International AIDS Conference had ever

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-2084853960720079692008-08-05T09:50:00.001-04:002008-08-12T15:44:28.537-04:00

Meeting Former Sponsored Child Misozi By Sarah A. Roush, program associate for CCFOne of the most energizing events that I attended this week was “Addressing the Gap: Commitments, Funding and Youth Engagement.” In this session, a panel of youth and adult allies discussed the advances that have been made to meaningfully engage youth in HIV programs and at the International AIDS Conference, as well

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-48622785313317462562008-08-04T16:07:00.004-04:002008-12-09T05:22:07.242-05:00

CCF Staff Attends International AIDS Conference in Mexico CitySarah A. Roush, Program Associate for CCFToday was the first full day of the International AIDS Conference in Mexico City. Held every two years in a different international location, the conference is the space where more than 20,000 individuals and groups engaged in HIV/AIDS work, including CCF, come together for a week of information

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-55209587804828675192008-08-03T08:46:00.006-04:002008-12-09T05:22:07.527-05:00

CCF Youth Speak at Symposium on AIDSBy Sarah A. Roush, program associate for Christian Children's FundOn Aug. 1-2, I participated in the “Children and AIDS: Action Now, Action How” Symposium being held in Mexico City prior to the International AIDS Conference. The Symposium was attended by 530 delegates and 170 presenters from more than 70 countries. Attendees included program managers and staff,

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-68772199946087506412008-06-27T09:18:00.005-04:002008-12-09T05:22:07.902-05:00

By Nicole Duciaume, Documentation and Sponsorship Support Officer for Christian Children's FundToday, we were honored to attend the opening of a youth suicide prevention Safe House on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Once a large storage facility owned by the Sinte Gleska University, this rehabilitated house now offers a meeting room, a recreation hall, a counseling center, two bedrooms, a fully

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-14942903988975992702008-06-26T08:52:00.007-04:002008-12-09T05:22:08.439-05:00

By Nicole Duciaume, Documentation and Sponsorship Support Officer for Christian Children's FundIn the midst of traversing the state of South Dakota, we had the opportunity visit several national landmarks such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Wounded Knee. These opportunities bring history alive. I often reverted into an inquisitive school girl at seeing monuments in actuality rather than as a

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-38099972166185555782008-06-25T09:00:00.006-04:002008-12-09T05:22:08.713-05:00

By Nicole Duciaume, Documentation and Sponsorship Support Officer for Christian Children's FundInitial summer programs will begin the third week of July and will aim to improve educational, social, cultural and youth leadership skills while also identifying community assets and needs. Programs will combine constructive educational, recreational , cultural and social activities for children and

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-70853188706211599522008-06-24T09:14:00.007-04:002008-12-09T05:22:09.186-05:00

By Nicole Duciaume, Documentation and Sponsorship Support Officer for Christian Children's FundEarly Tuesday morning, we left Rapid City as the already sparse buildings grew farther and farther apart. The patches of green expanded in seemingly limitless directions. Rust colored earth pushed through between the grazing cattle, and the hills undulated in rhythm with the radio station coming in and

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-76740203126537400282008-06-23T15:30:00.002-04:002008-12-09T05:22:09.639-05:00

By Nicole Duciaume, Documentation and Sponsorship Support Officer for Christian Children's FundCCF proudly works in many communities throughout the United States, including several in the great state of South Dakota. In the coming weeks CCF will launch a new program on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. In preparation for the launch, I traveled to South Dakota to learn about the programmatic

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-49659498697665873232008-06-04T15:33:00.000-04:002008-12-09T05:22:10.079-05:00

Diamantina, the Jewel of the Mineiro Crown!By Renée Ferguson, Senior Direct Mail Associate for Christian Children’s FundAt 8:00 a.m. we started the more than five-hour ride to Diamantina. The colonial village lies in a chain of mountains in central Minas Gerais at 4,140 feet above sea level and still functions as a diamond-mining town.Our tour guide, Helena, shared a little about the area’s

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-26279052790186780882008-06-03T13:58:00.002-04:002008-12-09T05:22:10.372-05:00

From the Coasts to the Mountains of GoldBy Renée Ferguson, Senior Direct Mail Associate for Christian Children’s FundWe had a much-needed morning of leisure before we boarded the bus at 12:45 to go to the airport. Our 3:10 flight took us to Belo Horizonte, the capital and largest city of the state of Minas Gerais.Minas Gerais, unlike the warm, coastal states of Ceará and Bahia, is very

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-40346182828798571882008-06-02T10:20:00.006-04:002008-12-09T05:22:10.713-05:00

Salvador, Bahia―A City Immersed in Colorful Folkloric HeritageBy Renée Ferguson, Senior Direct Mail Associate for Christian Children’s FundI awoke at the break of dawn and stepped out onto my balcony to catch the magnificent Bahian sunrise. The invigorating morning breeze washed over me as I listened to the waves, considering the picturesque vista.The sunshine welcomed us to this celebrated city

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-56391713924992067582008-06-01T14:36:00.001-04:002008-12-09T05:22:10.943-05:00

On to Salvador, Bahia ― Brazil’s First CapitalBy Renée Ferguson, Senior Direct Mail Associate for Christian Children’s FundThis morning we enjoyed a hearty breakfast and checked out of the hotel for our trip to the airport. A few CCF Fortaleza staff and our tour guide, Gleisa, joined us for the bus ride.Smiling, yet fighting back tears, Gleisa spoke on behalf of the children and the staff. Her

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-64309978629764268422008-05-31T14:03:00.009-04:002008-12-09T05:22:11.456-05:00

By Renée Ferguson, Senior Direct Mail Associate for Christian Children’s FundThe gentle morning breeze whispered that this would be an exceptional day, not only in the tour itinerary, but forever in the lives of the sponsors and sponsored children alike.During the bus ride to Tendas do Cumbuco Resort, some sponsors whose sponsored children live in northeastern Brazil were giddy with anticipation.

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-73770567929946101872008-05-30T14:00:00.002-04:002008-12-09T05:22:11.805-05:00

From Fortaleza to Itapiuna and BackBy Renée Ferguson, Senior Direct Mail Associate for Christian Children’s FundWe met bright and early, at 7:45 a.m. feeling refreshed and more like ourselves.After breakfast at the hotel restaurant, we boarded the bus for the more than two-hour ride to the Itapiuna community, in the western portion of the state of Ceará. There we would visit a second project,

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-66341205429902777972008-05-29T14:34:00.009-04:002008-12-09T05:22:12.187-05:00

Chegamos! (We’ve Arrived!)By Renée Ferguson, Senior Direct Mail Associate for Christian Children’s FundAfter a long, full night of travel, the Study Tour members stepped off of the Airbus at 7:45 this morning. Groggy and blurry-eyed, but full of quiet anticipation, we had arrived at Pinto Martins International Airport in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.Just outside the airport we were welcomed by the

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-62049942512732930152008-05-28T11:15:00.009-04:002008-12-09T05:22:12.367-05:00

Finally on Our Way to Brazil!By Renée Ferguson, Senior Direct Mail Associate for Christian Children’s FundAt last after months of preparation ― the passport and visa applications, the immunizations, research, list making, and the shopping for supplies and gifts -- these efforts will be put to the test and our questions answered such as:“Did I pack enough or too much?”“What if my luggage is too

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-67801386700385958472008-04-26T15:36:00.003-04:002008-12-09T05:22:12.593-05:00

A Journey Through the Heart of Native American Indian CountryBy Amanda Rives Argeñal, Policy Advisor for Christian Children's FundToday we traveled to the Pine Ridge Reservation, home to two Affiliates: Oyate Teca and Oyate Networking. Having never been on a reservation, it was quite an experience for me and many of the participants, who had traveled from as far away as Texas and Mississippi. The

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-32885205737666486412008-04-25T10:02:00.008-04:002008-12-09T05:22:12.720-05:00

U.S. Program Affiliates Gather in South DakotaBy Amanda Rives Argeñal, Policy Advisor for Christian Children's FundGreetings from Keystone, South Dakota! This is Amanda Rives, Policy Advisor for CCF, writing from the 2008 U.S. Affiliate Conference. We had a very exciting week and packed agenda, but the beautiful views of Mt. Rushmore and the famous Black Hills have kept us refreshed and

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-36736681198962625032008-04-22T10:22:00.009-04:002008-12-09T05:22:13.546-05:00

By Nicole Duciaume, Documentation and Sponsorship Support OfficerAs my last blog entry for Ecuador before boarding a plane at some unkind hour (leaving the hotel at 3:30 a.m.), I want to take a minute to reflect on the highlights and moments that capture the imagination and the spirit of the trip.I remember walking through the winding dust-filled streets, with children clamoring for photos

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-49282565430334730552008-04-21T11:28:00.011-04:002008-12-09T05:22:14.614-05:00

By Nicole Duciaume, Documentation and Sponsorship Support OfficerWalking away from our days in Cotopaxi, and truthfully the entire time in Ecuador, participants excitedly chatted about the programs they had seen and the people they had met. Each delighted in sharing photos with each other, figuring out how to stay in touch and planning their presentations for their offices once they got back. A

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-68401181145070173592008-04-14T10:47:00.007-04:002008-12-09T05:22:15.171-05:00

By Nicole Duciaume, Documentation and Sponsorship Support OfficerThroughout the day on Monday, ChildFund member participants engaged with the National Office staff on various topics ranging from poverty indicators, program implementation, funding and sponsorship methodologies. Discussions focused on the “faces of poverty” which is one way to capture the idea of what it means for children in

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-10179182202692959112008-04-10T08:45:00.014-04:002008-12-09T05:22:16.478-05:00

By Nicole Duciaume, Documentation and Sponsorship Support OfficerOne of the nice things about staying in Ecuador over a weekend is that we had time to line up some mini adventures.On Saturday we went north to the province of Imbabura. Along the way we weaved through the mountains and valleys of the Andes. My ears must have popped at least 10 times before the trip was done. We briefly stopped at a

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-74003863893061037432008-04-08T12:35:00.009-04:002008-12-09T05:22:17.240-05:00

By Nicole Duciaume, Documentation and Sponsorship Support OfficerToday we ventured a few hours south of Quito to the Province of Cotopaxi, which derives its name from the volcano of the same name that towers over the Province and CCF’s program area. The larger ChildFund group will be visiting these programs next week. Today’s mission was to ask some questions, think through some presentations and

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-10494927885626759702008-04-08T12:29:00.001-04:002008-06-16T14:53:05.304-04:00

By Nicole Duciaume, Documentation and Sponsorship Support OfficerToday we ventured a few hours south of Quito to the Province of Cotopaxi, which derives its name from the volcano of the same name that towers over the Province and CCF’s program area. The larger ChildFund group will be visiting these programs next week. Today’s mission was to ask some questions, think through some presentations

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-14909893053640625242008-04-07T13:59:00.020-04:002008-12-09T05:22:18.118-05:00

By Nicole Duciaume, Documentation and Sponsorship Support OfficerOur plane circled the mountains and volcanoes before delicately descending into the Quito Valley in Ecuador late Tuesday night. The flight was seamless but immigration/customs were as expected, complete with long lines and weary travelers. As you can imagine, when you emerge from the airport doors, there is nothing more reassuring

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-46775300029629780342008-02-28T13:54:00.008-05:002008-12-09T05:22:18.399-05:00

We traveled back to Colombo today, taking the shorter inland route that passed through a mountainous area. During the nearly six-hour trip, we observed an elephant walking down the road with its owner. Although modern equipment is primarily used for working purposes these days, there are still some Sri Lankans who prefer to use elephants.We entered the city just as the schools were letting out

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-41982250430113250572008-02-27T10:41:00.008-05:002008-12-09T05:22:18.859-05:00

Sri Lanka's tropical scenery is reflected by the abundant growth of colorful hibiscus and other exotic plants. Even though we are now in the dry region of the country, everything appears lush and green. A large variety of bananas grow here, and we are constantly being given different ones to try. None of them are nearly as big as the traditional bananas consumed in the United States. Many are

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-83989704728151948242008-02-26T12:37:00.008-05:002008-12-09T05:22:19.138-05:00

While traveling to program areas in Kudawella, we saw a group of people gathered around a tree staring down at the ground. Anne quickly spotted the snake they were all watching and asked to stop the car. This was not just any snake, it was a 12-foot python! Obviously, it had recently dined as there were bulges throughout its long, thick body. It had been caught across the road – and tied with a

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-87270492406399354132008-02-25T11:49:00.008-05:002008-12-09T05:22:19.314-05:00

One of our visits today was to a preschool in Galle, which is funded by CCF’s ChildFund Alliance partner, Taiwan Fund for Children and Families.A group of young children gathered near the doorway ready to bust out at any minute. They reached their arms out with paper chain necklaces they had made for Anne (pictured above) and I as gifts – not unlike the paper chains children sometimes make for

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-47500229956256768302008-02-24T09:21:00.008-05:002008-12-09T05:22:19.708-05:00

We headed out of Colombo along the Indian Ocean to start visiting CCF’s programs in the southern region. CCF has worked in Sri Lanka since 1985 and assists more than 750,000 children and their family members. We didn’t begin work in the southern region until after the tsunami. CCF responded quickly to the disaster and made our presence known. Many of the programs in this area target children who

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-48083525190782939432008-02-23T10:26:00.003-05:002008-12-09T05:22:20.241-05:00

Jennifer Harter, CCF Public Relations Specialist, is in Sri Lanka with CCF President and CEO Anne Lynam Goddard conducting program reviews of CCF’s work.When Anne Lynam Goddard, CCF’s President and CEO, decided she wanted to travel to Sri Lanka for a field visit, security was one of the early concerns.On Jan. 16, a ceasefire agreement between the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-60880870687764072962007-11-16T10:12:00.000-05:002008-12-09T05:22:20.341-05:00

By Elizabeth Sung, Consultant for CCF-Chad N'djamena, Chad is where my adventure began and now where it ends. After spending twelve weeks in Chad, meeting wonderful people, discovering different lifestyles, adapting to a culture and carrying out a study that I would never have dreamed of. Twelve weeks can seem like a lifetime at one moment, and next, I wonder where all the time has gone.I spent

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-54625339125022708802007-11-15T09:12:00.000-05:002007-11-26T10:35:54.059-05:00

By Elizabeth Sung, Consultant for CCF-ChadMy chapter in Chad is already coming to an end. Yesterday, even though I could have spent more time working in the office, I went to Iridimi Refugee Camp for the last time to meet with my group of survey interviewers. Among the three camps, I spent the most time with them.I believe that this group represented the best and brightest in the camp. Among them

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-86739280906653108212007-11-14T09:22:00.000-05:002007-11-14T11:31:51.844-05:00

By Gary Duncan, Assistant Director of MarketingArriving in the southern city of Bangalore, India, you have the sense that you have been transported back 100 years to the time of British colonialism. Unlike northern India with its marble palaces and red sandstone forts, Bangalore appears to the visitor to be a colonial town that you might see in southern England-- not India. With tree-lined street

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-52653562082837302452007-11-12T13:06:00.000-05:002007-11-12T13:43:04.760-05:00

By Gary Duncan, Assistant Director of MarketingImpressionable IndiaWhen I last left you, we had rumbled, stumbled, and wrestled our way into the ancient city of Jaipur after a test of endurance and shaky nerves on the small road from Agra. We had left one roadside ‘rest stop’ with endless impressions of hungry foreigners devouring everything in their small store and passing out gaudy beads to

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-12083581511435595852007-11-05T10:20:00.000-05:002008-12-09T05:22:20.569-05:00

By Gary Duncan, Assistant Director of MarketingAwesome Agra!After arriving in Agra, we visited the stunning Taj Mahal. We had to wait in long lines for entrance to the grounds of this national monument and security was very tight. Apparently, there are several groups who would like to blow up the Taj Mahal in an apparent and misguided way to call attention to their theology, ideology, or lunatic

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7186414479251823426.post-13562697510350271002007-11-03T09:49:00.000-04:002007-11-05T10:19:59.103-05:00

By Gary Duncan, Assistant Director of Marketing Great Saturday morning in Bangalore, India... one of the most unique cities in all of India. Before I tell you a little about our visit to Bangalore, let me catch you up on our travels during the last week. This study tour is becoming one of the most educational and challenging tours we have ever implemented for sponsors.Leaving Delhi almost a

CCFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10261784363425277239noreply@blogger.com0