Fieldnotes: Blogging on UNICEF's child survival work in the field

I am so proud to be a part of this effort, and I am thrilled for the kids!

High fives all around to all of the donors, UNICEF, Clay and especially the Claynation for helping to spread the word!

I am humbled to be just a minute part of the voice and action for change and improvement for the children in Afghanistan.

I am also very impressed with the efficacy with which UNICEF can use even the smallest donation to make a difference.

In a place where despair could so easily take over, we are given so many reports of hope for and by the people. I encourage anyone who has hesitated to just jump right in and help make a change for the positive!!!

$200,000?

Is this the new challenge?

Certainly, Clay.

For you --- for the children --- a thousand times over.

Out of curiosity, what does it take to build an actual school?

And, what about materials? After reading Clay's blog, I want these kids to have everything they need for their education. But, especially books.

I know UNICEF provides the school-in-a-box kits. But, what about beyond that?

So much to be done.

Thank you for the updates and the great work being done! I find my heart so full, after reading Clay's UNICEF blog and subsequent updates, and seeing the new pictures posted on the UNICEF site. Smiling children, so eager to learn (despite their meager resources) and so full of potential and promise. People so welcoming and eager to learn and reemerge from their oppression.

Clay traveling to a country where there is violence and uncertainty, and revealing the other side of the coin to us - (one we seldom, if ever see in the U.S. media) - the HUMAN (not political) side, where people just want to live and learn and love. I stand in awe of Clay for being so compelled to bring the needs of the world to the forefront and do something about it - not only "talking the talk", but "walking the walk".

Thank you, Clay - and thank you, UNICEF.

Very impressive. I hope for the day when every child can be educated and have the essentials that we all take for granted. Great job Unicef, Clay Aiken and all of the people who have contributed to this great cause. For every child that has the opportunity for a bright future, there is one less desperate child that is lost.

Thanks for putting the numbers into tangible goods...our dollars and cents make a difference...congrats to Clay and UNICEF for raising awareness and providing desperately needed services.

Congratulation to Clay on his fund raising campaign! I had contributed from Singapore and hope that my donation do add to the amount raise. So proud to be a clay fan.

Um, just a suggestion -- since this section is about Clay's fund-raiser, and the vid you posted of his trip (thank you!) shows him pumping water, why not take that clip and show it here on his page??

Keep up the good work, and thanks so much for posting updates and giving Clay a place to write to us.

Clay inspires me everyday to be a better person. There is not enough time in the day to express how grateful I am that Clay came into life in 2003. UNICEF you were very wise in choosing Clay as an UNICEF ambassador. He gives so much and ask for so little in return. God Bless him and the childern of Afghanistan.

Clay Aiken asked....and we delivered.

UNICEF hired a rare gem to be a part of their Ambassador team :)

Thanks Chris, for keeping us updated about Clay's challenge and how the funds will be used. As one of his fans, I'm excited to take part in such a worthwhile cause. Clean water is so vital to life itself, and I can't imagine having to struggle to find it on a daily basis. It's also amazing to hear about kids so eager to learn they will walk for miles and sit in the open to have that chance.

UNICEF chose well when they asked Clay to be one of their Goodwill Ambassadors. In addition to the gift of his beautiful voice, he has a gift for inspiring people. I guess you've noticed.

Debbie H.

I have every faith in you and hope you continue to gain major strides in your efforts to battle the affects of war & poverty in Afghanistan. Thank you for reading our comments and responding to mine ;)

LC

I feel honored to be able to participate in this remarkable effort. I have always supported UNICEF but Ambassador Aiken has made me feel a more personal connection with his insightful and sensitive reports from the region..the videos are so moving......

I really hope to see this information spread to the media outlets. A celebrity ambassador is supposed to bring attention to important causes. Although Clay's legions of fans are doing a terrific job of spreading the information around, just think of all the people this could reach with a few well-chosen blurbs in newspapers and magazines, or showing that wonderful video on TV.

Thanks UNICEF for appointing Clay as your Ambassador and Thank you Clay for issuing this challenge. You know we love a challenge from you. I knew we would hit the $100,000 and now you say we have almost hit $150,000 I can't see us stopping until $200,000. WOW!

Clay motivates me. Good choice.

So many of us were looking for a way to make a difference in the world and through Clay and UNICEF we have found that way. To know what this amount of money will mean to these children in Afghanistan is truly amazing and humbling. I have little doubt that we will meet the new challenge we've set in Clay Nation for $200,000 for this campaign. Thanks for allowing all of us the privilege of donating.

Isn't it amazing what a man who dreamed of being a teacher could achieve. Your classroom continues to grow Mr. Aiken and I for one completely enjoy the lesson plan you've outlined on service, kindness, hospitality, charity, and the unspoken language of LOVE. Dream Big sweet man and never stop your pursuit of teaching it is one of your gifts! Thanks for the inspiration. Here's to reaching that $200,000.00 goal. *wink* ~Meesh~

I am a grandmother of of 4 grandchildren i has Autism and the other 3 have special needs also and wrote to BAF in 06 and got the help that i need for the children and as for the help you need for the people of Afghanistan I was so happy to help you have the Love for the people of the world and children you are a blessing sir. I thank you and i thank also BAF and I must say this in a good way you are helping more than you ever know. Sir who is takeing care of you? please dont forget about you. thank you Sir SC

It it is truly amazing how this man can inspire us, his fans, and new fans alike. He is truly an incredible human being. It is all done with just a simple request and BOOM we respond with all that we have. It is just a measure how how much we love this man!

hi:
I am a staff member at a homeless shelter and there is so many that are homeless and at the shelter we offer the help but in the world its self maybe someday we can put a end to it but for now children and all walks of life there are people like me and clay are givening back there are so many who do just that if they cant hel them self then i can help them. thank you Donna Jalbert