Title: Founder
Company: Africa Bridge
Location: Fairport, New York, United States
Barry Childs, founder of Africa Bridge, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in the nonprofit sector.
Mr. Childs, president, founder and board chair of Africa Bridge since 2000, has been heavily engaged in his nonprofit charitable organization supporting rural populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Founded to engage leaders in helping to transform the lives of the most vulnerable children in that area, he partners with numerous organizations to raise funds and support his mission.
Africa Bridge is dedicated to improving the lives of children, specifically in southwestern Tanzania. Despite extreme poverty being eradicated in many parts of the world, sub-Saharan Africa remains highly impoverished, with approximately 90% of children, families, and individuals still suffering. A cause close to Mr. Childs’ upbringing, he was born in Tanzania due to his father’s career as a botanist. Working in agriculture, his journey took him and his family to remote places for work. Returning to the country more than 30 years later, Mr. Childs sought to help the people by establishing Africa Bridge, which aims to assist those in need, particularly those living in such conditions.
Retiring early from his career to take on this endeavor, Mr. Childs’ organization develops sustainable socioeconomic solutions by collaborating with villagers and local leaders. It also follows a two-part comprehensive program model that includes social development and economic development. Since the founding of Africa Bridge 25 years ago, Mr. Childs’ contributions have benefited over 10,000 of the most vulnerable children in the area across more than 35 villages.
To ensure Africa Bridge’s continued success, Mr. Childs participates in a program similar to microloans, which primarily targets small businesses and startups. However, rather than paying back the bank, borrowers repay the cooperative, creating a self-generating return on investment. The sustainability of these loans is significantly higher when they focus on social issues, such as those addressed by his nonprofit. Notably, Mr. Childs will only invest in community projects where the participants are comprised of at least 50% women.
Mr. Childs formerly spent 15 years as the director of learning at Abbott Laboratories in Germany between 1985 and 2000 before pivoting to form Africa Bridge. During his tenure at Abbott, he held a diagnostic role at the company’s European headquarters. Mr. Childs excelled in leadership development and was ultimately relocated to the company’s Chicago office to implement leadership practices globally. He also worked as a multifunctional executive at Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United Kingdom. His foundational roles at Exxon included positions in sales, operations and human resources. He also developed expertise in leadership development, which he applied at Abbott Laboratories.
In preparation for his future, Mr. Childs attended the University of KwaZulu-Natal on the Pietermaritzburg campus in South Africa, where he received a bachelor’s degree in 1967. Beyond his career success, he has been affiliated with several civic organizations, including Rotary International and the Retired Professional Society, serving as a member and board member, respectively. Mr. Childs has also become a published author of “And the Children Shall Lead Us” via Breakthrough Books in 2024. The purpose of the book is to increase visibility for his cause and raise additional funds.
In light of his earlier success, Mr. Childs was a 2010 Purpose Prize Winner, as recognized by the AARP. Eager for future accomplishments, particularly in the nonprofit sector, he is now working on a pilot program to support communities near wildlife sanctuaries and corridors, educating them about the benefits of living near wildlife beyond serving as a food source.
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