KidsGive initially formed as the result of collaboration between students at Lawrence University and Professor Claudena Skran, who had been a US Fulbright Scholar to Sierra Leone (2005-06).  In Dec. 2009, the first group of student volunteers travelled to Sierra Leone, building connections with Conforti School in Calaba Town and the Forum For African Women Educationalists (FAWE) school in Mattru Jong.  Since then, KidsGive has continued to support its partner schools, sponsor volunteer trips to Sierra Leone and The Gambia, and educate students in the United States about African life and cultures.  KidsGive has provided  nearly 500 disadvantaged children with scholarships and sponsored enrichment programs covering arts, sports, and health to more than 8000.  Moreover, KidsGive has reached middle and high school students in Wisconsin and  8 other states with programs on topics as varied as child soldiers, eye health, and challenges facing schools in West Africa.​

 

Important firsts for KidsGive include:

2009 - first volunteer trip to Sierra Leone

2010 - first academic research project investigates ground and water pollution at partner

2011 - first sports volunteers in Sierra Leone

2013 - KIdsGive collaborates with MSOE and Digital Bridge to outfit a computer lab at Njalla University

2014-15 - KidsGive collaborates with Conforti Community Children Aid Organization to support Ebola orphans

2016 - KidsGive implements a  borehole-well project at Conforti School, in conjunctions with Rotary International

2016 - KidsGive sponsors theatre arts enrichment programs, led by Prof. Timothy Troy and Prof. Jacque Troy

2019 - KidsGive collaborates with Target Theatre during COVID 19 and supports a new food canteen at FAWE school

2021-23 - KidsGive raises funds to facilitate the building of  a new junior secondary school for girls at FAWE in Mattru Jong

2024 - first KidsGive volunteer group in The Gambia implements the EyeGive program