Partnerships and Initiatives

In 2022, PLNU undergraduate student, Emma McHugh, wanted to host an installation demonstrating the menstrual experiences of individuals across the globe. The goal was to bring awareness to the issue of period poverty and break down stigmas surrounding menstruation as a whole. Upon her initial search into country-specific studies, she struggled to find enough substantial research that properly communicated the realities of menstruation. Instead of abandoning the project altogether, she was encouraged and supported by the Center for International Development and PLNU’s Honors program to directly ask questions and uncover the stories of the menstrual experience through a pilot research study.

A Kenyan woman named Maureen Ocholah invited Emma to speak with women in her community in Kawangware - an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. Hearing hundreds of testimonies about the lack of products, dignity, and education for periods, in addition to discovering the high frequency of young girls trading sex for pads motivated Emma to pursue research publication, find ways to increase access to period products in Kenya, and advocate for menstrual equity upon her return to PLNU.

In 2023, the Center for International Development was able to support another student to join Emma and Maureen in expanding their research into tribal villages and rural communities in Kenya. Increased financial support also gave the team the opportunity to introduce the menstrual cup to interview participants - a product that has continued to receive positive feedback from the Kenyan women who use it.

In 2024, the compilation of research, advocacy, and fundraising for menstrual products resulted in the formation of Akinyi - a research initiative through the Center for International Development dedicated to investing in the girl child by investigating the realities of menstruation. 

In November 2024, our team conducted empirical interviews with over 300 women in Malawi and Eswatini to further understand the impact of having a period while living in the Global South. We were able to distribute underwear, pads, and 500 cups to the women and girls we worked with.

In 2025, we hope to conduct further research and ..... If you would like to help us continue this work through partnership or donation, click here to connect with us, or donate to the CID by clicking here.

In 2015, a multidisciplinary team of students and faculty was awarded second place in the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries’ national competition focused on water justice. We were awarded an implementation grant of $7,500 that students voted to use for a Beauty for Ashes scholarship.

Our idea connected PLNU and our long-term partner, Pastor Celestin Chishibanji from the Democratic Republic of Congo, to build empathy and understanding across cultures. Using print, web, social media, and environmental design, along with daily programmed activities, we were able to raise awareness about access to fresh water, hygiene, and sanitation.

After matching funds came through, we raised $10,829 and were able to build the first water well at Ep. Mutombo Primary School and Mutowa Institute in the Democratic Republic of Congo! The water well provides closer water access, improved water hygiene, and personal security.

Lazarian World Homes (LWH) is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable, eco-friendly housing internationally. Its innovative technique of constructing with sturdy polystyrene blocks gives developing countries affordable, sustainable, and energy-efficient schools, churches, and homes.

The CID has joined with LWH for building projects in Armenia, Mexico, and Brazil. Learn more about LWH.

The Center for International Development has hosted the San Diego Global Poverty Forum at PLNU, bringing together people from across the city to discuss and debate cutting-edge ideas, research, and discoveries in the field of global poverty alleviation and its intersection with the field of business. The event featured presentations from leaders in the international development space, followed by an engaging question-and-answer session with a moderator and the audience.

The San Diego Global Poverty Forum was created to focus on cost-effective, business-oriented poverty alleviation methods, and to empower and inspire young people to consider working to break the cycle of poverty through innovative social businesses and entrepreneurship. People throughout Southern California who desire to be inspired, challenged, and gain a deeper understanding of what is working and why in the field of poverty alleviation should make attendance at this event a priority. Watch past presentations from some of our previous keynote speakers.