Meet the dedicated ChildsLife team.
ChildsLife has offices in the Netherlands, Africa, Eastern Europe and the USA. All ChildsLife offices are staffed by experienced local staff and volunteers with extensive knowledge and years of experience to find the best solutions to local problems.
Patricia Korver-Kicak
Founder
ChildsLife was born out of the belief that most people who needed development aid and support, didn’t really want a life of charity but rather, needed skills, stability, ideas and encouragement. It was this thought-process that led me to create ChildsLife in 1996. I have recently retired from my daily duties but as ChildsLife Founder I will always be involved.
Carlian van Klarenbosch
Director, The Netherlands
Since 2013 I have been part of the ChildsLife team and for the last 2 years as Board Member and Director of ChildsLife Netherlands. It is an honour to work together with my driven and passionate colleagues, locally and internationally, to bring about change by empowering children, their parents and communities.
Paul Sugut
Director, Eastern Africa
Director, Eastern Africa I joined ChildsLife in 2004. I ensure successful implementation of programs in Kenya and East African Region. I monitor progress and effective budget control of programs. I am active in development of long-term strategic direction for ChildsLife International. Most rewarding part of my job is empowering communities through our interventions.
Florian Ivan
Director, Eastern Europe
Since nearly the beginning I have been part of the ChildsLife family. I am responsible for the program and strategic development in Eastern Europe. Although the local needs and the program have changed over years, our work is much needed. I am very grateful to be able to make a difference in many children’s lives, families and communities.
Lida Tuip
Board member, The Netherlands
During my 15 year employment, I worked closely with the founder Patricia Korver and our international teams for our sustainable programs.
I also enjoyed very much working with our supporters both private and corporate.
Nowadays, I am a board member on a voluntary basis for our innovative organization and hope for more Chances for Children!
John Maina
Program Manager, Kenya
I have been working with ChildsLife since 2007. I am the Program Manager and responsible for project troubleshooting, implementation, supervision, reports writing and upkeep of database for ChildsLife Kenya Projects. I draw my motivation from the fact that ChildsLife programs are geared towards communities’ transformation and building sustainable communities worldwide.
Ype Krol
Finance Manager, The Netherlands
At ChildsLife I am responsible for the financial ins and outs of the organization. Together with a close-knit and driven, international team, I can contribute to improving the living conditions of children elsewhere in the world. This gives me a lot of satisfaction!
Shadrack Serem
Finance Manager, Kenya
I have worked at ChildsLife Kenya since 2012. I manage donor funds and advise management on Finance. It has been fulfilling in my career to see continuous positive impacts in many communities where we have and still work, thanks to the support from our well-wishers.
Carola Wortman
Fundraiser, The Netherlands
I manage the relations with our private donors and am active in fundraising for the ChildsLife program. I am happy to explore the options with our supporters and come up with the right way of support suited to individual wishes. I am proud to be part of this team to help in their vision to help children to a life full of hope, pride without poverty.
Salome Thoya
Communications, Kenya
I joined ChildsLife in the year 2012. I oversee marketing and communication of programs in Kenya. The most fulfilling part of my job is being part of a team that meets the needs of vulnerable communities. Working with ChildsLife is more than rewarding.
Wendy Korzelius
Office Manager, The Netherlands
Since many years I have been office manager and run the donor administration at ChildsLife.
It’s very nice to work for a charitable organisation, especially in the small team we have. I like the variety and challenge in my work, it’s satisfying and it’s great to see if our projects are doing well.
Mirella Petcu
Program coordinator, Romania
I have been involved with ChildsLife Romania for many years. I assist Country Director Florian Ivan with the AnneNoor Education Centres, The First Step in Life and Essential Needs programs. The impact we have on people’s lives gives me much satisfaction.
Zam Obed
Field Officer, Kenya
I am the Field Coordinator for ChildsLife in Kibera slums, Nairobi, Kenya. I have been at ChildsLife since 2007. ChildsLife vision and mission keep me motivated. Children are at my heart. For me, there is no better place than ChildsLife. At ChildsLife I feel at home.
Gladys Mwelu
Field Officer, Kenya I am a field coordinator for Mukuru slums in Nairobi Kenya since 2015. My role involves vetting and selection of members for the LLE program, monitoring activities, and overseeing trainings. I have gained so much hands-on community experience and I am grateful to ChildsLife for this opportunity.