News

Why I Go to Africa United States
Dec 14, 2016 -

People often ask me why I go to Africa, especially to the places that “even Africans do not go,” a comment I’ve heard more than once from friends with African roots.

When I’m asked why I go, I typically chatter on about marginalized people, building relationships, educational needs and such—words I believe, for sure. But are these the reasons I go?
 
Fighting Child Marriage and Sex Abuse: A Talk with TED Speaker Memory Banda Malawi
Dec 7, 2016 -

Traditionally in Malawi, it’s taboo to talk about sex. But recently this country has been front and center in a worldwide discussion about cultural practices that promote sexual abuse and early marriage.

Photos from COTN’s Dallas Story Changer Auction United States
Nov 29, 2016 -

On November 19, COTN hosted its first Story Changer Auction in Texas! As guests arrived at the Compass Center in Grapevine, Texas, they enjoyed a root beer bar during reception, followed by dinner.

The theme of the evening was "Become a Story Changer." The program included reflections from COTN Founders Chris and Debbie Clark, an invocation presented by COTN partner Brenda Akers, and a viewing of the new COTN sponsorship video where two children in COTN's care describe how their lives have been transformed.

All together, these generous COTN partners raised more than $8,000 to meet the needs of COTN's children!

Photos from COTN’s Orange County Story Changer Auction United States
Nov 29, 2016 -

It was a night COTN partners in Orange County, California, won’t soon forget. The event was packed, with 250 guests ready to enjoy COTN’s Orange County Story Changer Auction. 

The theme of the evening was “Become a Story Changer.” The program included a cocktail reception, dinner, reflections from COTN Founders Chris and Debbie Clark, and a testimony from Lezitah Madziayenda, a university graduate from Malawi who grew up in COTN's sponsorship program. 

All together, these generous COTN partners raised a record amount of more than $110,000 to meet the needs of COTN's children!

A World of Reading Opens Up in Sierra Leone: Photo Post Sierra Leone
Nov 15, 2016 -

Remember Martha Rabura, the young woman who collected books for a school library in Sierra Leone? Well, we recently opened that library, and we’re excited to share the photos with you!

Boston Marathon Runner Raises Money for 1,000 Pairs of Shoes for Children in Africa United States
Nov 10, 2016 -

“Okay, I’m checking the box,” Erin Curtis thought after she ran in Seattle’s Rock and Roll Marathon. “I ran a marathon; I’m done.”

It didn’t take long before Erin realized she didn’t want to stop. When she learned her marathon time qualified her to run in the Boston Marathon, it felt like an opportunity she couldn't pass up. But as Erin began thinking about this new race, it felt empty. She loved running, but something was missing—this run needed to be about more than just her.

The Miracle of 52 Doorknobs: Dan Diamond Tells Stories of COTN’s Early Years Sierra Leone
Students in Sierra Leone
Nov 9, 2016 -

Dan Diamond—COTN® partner, family doctor, public speaker, and first responder for a medical international disaster relief group—shares his stories about COTN’s early days, and gives his insight on what he believes is COTN’s current and future impact.

“We Are So Grateful to Give Back”: Malawi Graduates Teach in Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
Malawi graduates teaching in Sierra Leone
Oct 25, 2016 -

At Children of the Nations our goal is not just to feed and care for children in need, but to raise children who transform nations.


Sarah Ackim, Rebecca Chinseu, and Promise Kanyangala are all university graduates, and they were all children served by COTN-Malawi. They recently traveled to Sierra Leone to teach children in COTN’s Sierra Leone schools.

Glamour for a Good Cause: Photos from COTN’s Seattle Story Changer Auction United States
Oct 25, 2016 -

Under the glittering lights of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, Wash., COTN partners arrived dressed in their finest, ready to enjoy COTN’s Seattle Story Changer Auction. 

The theme of the evening was “Become a Story Changer.” The program included a cocktail reception; dinner; reflections from Chris and Debbie Clark, COTN’s founders; and a testimony from Lezitah Madziayenda, a university graduate who was in COTN's sponsorship program.

You Gave Them the Tools, Now They’re Building the Future Malawi
Chikumbutso used his microloan to build a piggery
Oct 17, 2016 -

Our goal at COTN is to see the children we serve grow up to have sustainable jobs so they can support their families and create lasting change in their communities. Your support is doing this!