Ten volunteers from New Hampshire trekked to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania last Thursday, completing a grueling climb to benefit ChildVoice, a Newmarket‑based nonprofit that assists children—especially teenage girls—displaced by war in Uganda, South Sudan and Nigeria.
Why the climb mattered
ChildVoice CEO Nathan Mandsager explained that each climber carried a personal connection to the mission. “It is a challenge for each of us personally, and we each have our own stories as to why we’re doing Kilimanjaro, but ultimately we’re doing it for the mission of ChildVoice,” Mandsager said. “We think about the hardships faced by young people who have been forcibly displaced by conflict as we push each day on the trail.”
Fund‑raising success
The expedition raised nearly $140,000, which will be directed toward programs that provide education, mentorship and psychosocial support to children who have survived the trauma of war. All ten climbers reached the summit and returned safely, a testament to their preparation and perseverance.
Community impact
The effort highlights the power of local volunteers to make a global difference. By leveraging the visibility of a world‑renowned mountain, the Granite State group brought attention to the plight of war‑affected children and demonstrated how New Hampshire citizens can mobilize resources for humanitarian causes abroad.
About ChildVoice
Founded in Newmarket, ChildVoice focuses on regions where conflict has uprooted families and left young people without stable homes or schooling. The organization partners with local NGOs in Uganda, South Sudan and Nigeria to deliver safe spaces, educational materials and counseling services.
Looking ahead
Organizers hope the success of the Kilimanjaro climb will inspire additional fundraising events and encourage more Granite Staters to support international relief efforts. The team plans to share their experience with schools and churches across the state, reinforcing the Christian principle of caring for the vulnerable, wherever they may be.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
