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

Great field notes, Clay. Keep on spreading the word. Nice to see these children can still laugh in the face of such adversity.

Clay is such an inspiration and to see him with children is a beautiful sight. You can see the relationship he is able to build with these children and the happiness on their faces. I certainly hope that more people learn about the situation in Somalia and many more donations are made.

Surely, if we can spend so much money on war, there must be something we can do to alleviate this suffering. At least in a private donation, I have some say as to how my earnings are spent. So come pay day next week, UNICEF can count on my additional support for the children and women of Somalia. And in doing so, in the most important way, I am also healing myself.

Thanks again, Clay!!!

I can't say no to you Clay, and I can't turn my back on the Somali children. Their smiles are worth a thousand words. I'll keep on giving as much as I can. Congratulations on the impressive fundraising effort. We can always do more that's for sure. Good work Clay. I admire the way you "let down the nets."

Clay you are amazing just look at those kinds thay look so happy.
Bringing joy into peoples lives is so pleaseing to the heart

love you lots
love Hayley

Again, Thank you Clay and UNICEF for bringing awareness to an area that is in desperate need of attention. I am glad that the plight of the Somalian children is not going unnoticed, $50,000.00 in a week is awesome, and I am sure that more will be donated to help the situation. I couldn't be prouder to be a fan of Clay Aiken's and supporter of UNICEF.

Clay looks radiantly happy to be with these children! And they certainly seem to relate to him! It makes me very happy to hear about the good that UNICEF is doing in Somalia (and in other countries) it is a wonderful organization.$50,000 is great and I hope that they will raise more. I have given twice and will do so again.

Thank you Clay for being a great ambassador and bringing attention to a wonderful foundation.It has been an eye opener for me and I am donating when I can and sharing information with people.Unicef thank you for everything you do. Sincerely, Jennifer

Clay, thank you so much for this blog. After your last one, I felt most helpless. But seeing the big smiles on the faces of those children, even in the circumstances you describe, gives me so much hope. May we all continue to follow your example and help make a positive difference in this world!

Once again, the words of this wonderful ambassador for ALL children, have struck a chord. The need is VERY great and we are listening.

It is very apparent from the pictures that the wearer of a UNICEF armband causes great excitement. Clay Aiken is a trained teacher, but he is now choosing to take his classroom on a worldwide tour. My heart and prayers travel with him when he takes these missions...and I am honored to be just another student and learn as much as I can about these areas of great need.

Clay...thank you for sharing your experiences. You are indeed making a difference!!

Clay, you certainly are making a difference in Somalia. By the smiles on the children's and your face, it is quite evident. We are so proud of you! I am also glad to see donations were over $50,000. Let's see if we can make $100,000 this time. It's for the children of Somalia.

Thank you Clay for what you do on behalf of the children in every country you have visited and especially for bringing attention to the children of Somalia.

Looking at those two pictures its so easy to see how much you bring of yourself to these children and how wonderful the way they respond to you.

It wasn't so long ago that you said you wanted to make a difference, well sir you most definitely are..to these children and in the lives of people like me who had forgotten Somalia but I will never ever forget them again.

God bless you and the children of Somalia and I promise to do my part in making a difference there too.

Clay continues to use his voice and his heart to make a difference for all children. God bless him.

thanks for all you do, your smile and those of the children are infectious, continued success

Thanks so much, Clay, for bringing this situation to our attention. It appears that UNICEF is doing a wonderful job for the children and people in that area. I'm sure you make their days brighter with your smiling interaction, and that you enjoy their smiles too. I applaud UNICEF and your efforts to make a difference in the world.
Thank you CLAY and UNICEF!

Thank you for continuing to share your experience, Clay, and for updating on the donation subtotal.

The photos are as beautiful as those in your first blog post on your field visit, but for different reasons -- these draw a striking contrast between the very harsh living environment and the laughter and excitement of the children. This must have been a place difficult to go to ... and every bit as difficult to leave behind.

Will look forward to more of your observations ... and hope for more good news on the donation front.

I was thrilled to read that over $50,000 had been raised since the first post Clay wrote regarding the situation in Somalia.

What strikes me the most is the desire by the children to go to school. As a teacher myself, I see far too many students who do not appreciate the free public education offered to them.

Clay: Thank you for doing what you do and for making those lovely children smile.

The smiles on the faces of these children are amazing in the midst of the poverty and desolation that surrounds them.

The human spirit will not be denied.

Off to donate!

Who can say no to these darling children, and to you, Clay? I commend you for your dedication to UNICEF and to the less fortunate people in this world.

Keep fighting the good fight, Clay, you are making a tremendous difference in the lives of these children. God bless your good heart!

Carol

Thank you Clay and thank you UNICEF for continuing to bring awareness to the great need for assistance for the children of Somalia. You are certainly making a difference to these children. The smiles on their faces are priceless.

I'm so happy to hear that $50,000 has been raised in only a week. But I'm ready to give more -- anything I can to help the plight of these children.

As always, a very proud fan of a man that is indeed making a difference. Thank you.

Clay, you are truly a man who knows how to love!
You are greatly loved in return!

lucirichmond

Clay,

Amazing! You look so very happy working with these children and I am more than excited that the total raised so far is $50,000. I'm sure we will be sending more and get that total up to $100,000.

Thank you Unicef and thank you Clay for giving us this wonderful opportunity to be able to learn about the good that Unicef is doing in Somalia and thank you for loving the children as you do!

Lillian from Baltimore

It's so great to hear that $50,000 has been raised for Somalia in just a few days. I loved reading this report of what that money can buy for those kids and their familes. Simply wonderful! Thank you Clay, for all of your efforts. You are making a difference!

My heart is so full when I saw these pictures of Clay with the Somali children, a borrowed quote of some things cannot be touched or seen, it must come from the heart, Clay radiates this particularly these photos from Somalia. God bless you always Clay, it is satd that if you lead your lfe right all your dreams will cme true, no doubt you are already there CLAY!!

The beautiful smiles on the faces of the children say it all. The photos are very powerful.

Thank you Clay and UNICEF for bringing hope to these kids. I look forward to your next blog.

Are you sure that only 45% of the population are women and children? Even with a high infant mortality rate it seems it should be higher, especially with such a high birthrate.

Thank you for another informative FieldNotes blog.

Though I keep in mind the severity of the situation under which they struggle to survive, I marvel at the resilience of children: even if it is for just one moment in time, it is good to see their faces (and yours) lit by such true joy.

Imagine a world in which we gave children a lifetime of happiness.

Through UNICEF, we can.

I am using my voice for change through my writing, having just completed my fifth blog on Somalia, which is linked below. In order to provide some context and a starting point for those seeking information, I have linked to four articles on UNICEF's life saving efforts in Somalia, including "UNICEF Seeks Emergency Support for Somalia’s Undernourished Children" by James Elder, from February of this year.

Reading the article, I was struck hard by this quote:

"We had some very successful interventions and made a real impact last year. But the situation remains unbearably harsh, and we desperately hope Somalia’s children won’t be forgotten by the international community." --- UNICEF Somalia staff member Assa Ahmed.

I promise never to forget.

Thank you, Clay, for being a voice for the forgotten.

Thank you, UNICEF, for being their champion.

Great blog and very colorful pictures. Amazing how the kids can laugh with such adversity staring them in the face every day....God love you, Clay, for bringing laughter into their lives, even for a short time....

Clay ,I couldnt be more proud of you than I am seeing you doing what you love doing. The bond that you have with the kids just warms my heart. I can feel your laughter coming from your heart and see it in your eyes. I have donated recently but will try and make another donation very ,very soon. I know even the smallest amounts of monies will help provide water or food. Thank you Clay for all the love you have in your heart and soul. Thank you for sharing your heart and yourself and your trip to Somalia with all of us. It brings us even closer to you and all that is important to UNICEF and you. I look so forward to your next blog and am loving all the photo's of Somalia and the kids. Please Take Care, Always! Betty

God bless the world's children who live in dire need of basic necessities like clean water. Bless UNICEF for all the work they have done and will continue to do around the globe and Clay Aiken for using his voice to make us aware of these needs and for having a heart to help wherever he is needed.

Dear Clay,

Once again I must say how very PROUD I am of you and the difference you and UNICEF are making for these children's lives. I am thrilled to be at least a small part of that $50,000 raised to help these poor children. I thank you sooo much for making the world aware of this situation and for your wonderful part and so good to see that you brought smiles to their faces.

Love,
Sandy from Peabody, Massachusetts

Valerie asked: Are you sure that only 45% of the population are women and children? Even with a high infant mortality rate it seems it should be higher, especially with such a high birthrate.

Bear in mind, the 45% figure is for the northwest region of Somalia only. Just 16% of Somalia's children live in this region, compared to the central and southern region where nearly 70% of Somalia's children live. The remaining 14% live in the northeast.

I'll check into this in more detail tomorrow for you and see what I can find. In the meantime, the most thorough data I can find at the moment (as of 2006) is available here:

http://www.childinfo.org/mics/mics3/archives/somalia/survey0/data/Tables/Final%20Tables.pdf

Best,
Frank Susa
UNICEF USA

Clay,

Thank you for the update on your trip to Somalia and for giving us the donation total to date. Although $50,000 is a terrific figure, I am so hoping that the total will continue to climb to over $100,000.

You have such a wonderful talent in finding children who live in the worst circumstances, with their lives in danger every day, and bringing to them some happiness...where they can forget their circumstances and have the opportunity to be just little children for a while. Their smiles and laughter match your own and it is a wonderful sight to see!

Thank you and continued blessings in your work with the children of the world.

Thank you for documenting you experiences so people can find ways to help their fellow human beings. You rock.

I really believe UNICEF made a good choice, Clay, in making you an ambassador. This blog and your first one are so eloquent and convey the seriousness and dire conditions for the children of Somalia, while also showing us all the good that UNICEF has been able to do.

I can't help but notice the absolute joy and gleefulness on the faces of all the children in the pictures with you. That alone amazes me in light of the dismal lives they are living. I would really love to know what you are doing with them in those pictures to evoke such happiness. Are you playing a game with them, singing a song, tickling them?? You have a pretty big smile in those pictures too, which tells me you are loving what your doing...

Thank you, Clay, for sharing your field notes with us. The pictures are amazing! A miracle before our eyes because of you and UNICEF. These poor children seem to be thriving off your energy. Thank you for your courage to be there and for your kind heart, always giving, caring and loving. I am donating tonight and will ask all my friends and co-workers to do the same. It is the least we can do! Take care and God bless you always.

It's good to see the children of Somalia laughing and smiling. I'm glad UNICEF is providing for these mothers and their children and I appreciate the courage and selflessness of all the UNICEF aid workers who must go to work in the middle of danger every day. Clay, thank you for bringing this urgent need to our attention. I felt better for donating and hope others continue to spread the word of UNICEF's good works in Somalia.

Clay - thank you for your second report. You continue to be an inspiration to us and to those less fortunate in countries far away. I can see those children loved meeting you and they probably don't even know who you are except for being someone from Unicef. I know you will continue your good works, this is your calling. Thank you for educating us on the situation in Somalia. I'll check the finances and see about doing another donation!

I couldn't be prouder of you, Clay, for the many ways in which you touch people's lives. There appears to be such joy in your face as you reach out to these beautiful children; I can see you devoting even more time to both UNICEF and The Bubel/Aiken Foundation as the years roll on. As you said, five years ago, that is where your heart is. You are truly an inspiration to us all and I'm happy to stand up and say that I'm a Clay Aiken fan! Now, off to donate!

Love,
Carol (Fl)

Clay: Although there is not much more to add to the comments already made, I had to let you and everyone know that I am so proud of you and thankful to you. You have dedicated yourself to UNICEF and spreading awareness about the work they do for children around the world and you do it well. You have changed my life by making me aware that there are children and families in this world that desperately need my help. And so I give and I ask my friends and family to give. Everyone can afford to give up one cup of Starbucks, one movie, one trip to the mall or whatever and send that money to UNICEF to feed a family, educate and child, bring clean water and do what is needed so that these children grow up to be leaders in a much more kinder, gentler world. Thank you, Thank you Clay Aiken. Thank you, thank you UNICEF. I will continue to give on a monthly basis.

Bette

I love seeing the joy on the children’s faces in those photos. It’s also fascinating to learn information and stories about the specific projects that are making such a difference. I am always impressed by the creative and effective ways that UNICEF finds to solve the difficult problems you describe in your blogs. When you mentioned that $50,000 had already been raised, I thought about how your efforts and these donations-- and the many more that will come as people return from vacation and donate—will bring smiles to so many more children's faces.

Clay, I imagine when you were a teacher and handing out the assignment What I Did on My Summer Vacation, you never realized that soon you would be spending your own summer vacation making the world a better place. Or maybe you did! Teacher, secretary, entertainer....we ALL can work together in ways great and small. It all adds up, doesn't it?

After reading your 2nd blog, I just have to donate again. There is no bigger joy than knowing you have helped even one single child in Somalia. Maybe this will help improve water, sanitation and hygiene conditions, also in donating bed nets to prevent Malaria, and putting a child in school. Thank you and everyone involved in Unicef for your dedicated work in this field.

Wonderful news about the $50,000 so far. Cab we maybe have the thermometer back like we had for Mexico? It was fun to watch it rise.

Looks like someone is enjoying a tickle!

You are doing such great work, Clay. I admire your selfless efforts. You are truly the American Idol!

Clay,

I can't give right now, but as soon as I can, I will. However, I will pass it along to all my friends and family.
It's a shame that children here in the U.S. do not appreciate the simple things in life. If they could trade one day with the Somali children, they'd appreciate a heck of a lot more!

No one should have to suffer such abject poverty.

Thank you for bringing joy to these children's lives. You're doing a great thing. Keep it up!

Double applause to UNICEF and Clay for their humanitarian efforts in tackling the problems of these less fortunate people. My contribution is already included in your $50,000 total. I do have some questions though i.e. Where are the Somali men? What do they do? How do they live their daily lives? Thanks!

Question:

Are these ambassadors assigned to return to these regions they once visited to check on progress of these programs, and follow up on other needs to be addressed?

It is obvious how important it is to Clay to go to these countries and see how badly these kids need great help.

Clay your a honey..and your so sweet. Im gonna donate again. Except im gonna donate more. I
just love seeing happy children. God Bless you Clay Aiken your a very sweet precious man.
Love,
Dominique

How wonderful Clay can light up those beautiful faces with smiles. He is bringing them to us and I will be helping with a donation to UNICEF. These children need you and us.

Clay,
There is no question that you are happiest when surrounded by children. These pictures are priceless. I donated earlier and will donate again. Thank you for all you are doing with UNICEF.

I must credit Nick Ysenburg for capturing such great images of Clay at work w/ kids.

Somalia is a difficult place for women & children, but in these pics, it shows where these children are a safe environment where they are happy, well cared for, and getting an education.

I hope there are more photos to share.

Just when you think you couldn't possibly love this guy or admire him anymore than you do,he grabs you again. Just look at his face,he's not there for material for a video or for a photo-op,he is so in his element right now. Its really touching just looking at the pictures. You can see he's really roughing it and the kids are loving him. And his smile says it all. A great entertainer and a great humanitarian.

Clay, you and the children look so happy! I'm glad you were able to bring a some joy to their lives. Thanks for the informative and touching field notes!

Dear Clay,

Thank you for your role in bringing the needs of the children of Somalia to our attention. And, in the midst of such stark deprivation, my heartfelt thanks to you and UNICEF personnel for bringing those brilliant, beautiful smiles to the faces of the Somali families you visited. I just made an initial donation, and plan to donate a ‘box for school’ after the summer break. In a few years, I’ll be retiring from teaching. Over the years, I’ve amassed many materials for children, such as chess sets and music recorders. I would be delighted to ship these items to UNICEF for a school in need. Is this at all feasible?

Thank you, Mr.Frank Susa for very informative report.

http://www.childinfo.org/mics/mics3/archives/somalia/survey0/data/Tables/Final%20Tables.pdf

Some number are just horrifying, especially still the high rate of Extreme FMG.
So sad, those children already live in some of the hardest condition and yet they have to endure intentional torment.

Here we are again. It's all about awareness and education right on the field.
I know UNICEF do all what's possible to stop this eventually.

Only hope that people in the field, who are putting their effort to eradicate FMG/C will manage to help more and more women to develop enough self worth, love and compassion to make them able to protect their female children from further physical and consequential psychological and emotional mutilation.

I remember when I was just a kid, and watching TV commercials about places like the Peace Corps and UNICEF. I wanted to join them when I grew up. I didn't, but my heart still went out to them.

Thanks Clay for reminding me of that. I argue with family members that say, why send money to other countries when so much help is needed here? It is hard to argue that, but the situation is so desperate, and the children are so innocent.

Thank you Clay and UNICEF for all the hard work that you do. I will continue to donate and spread the word, the best that I can.

God bless this wonderful man. The world needs more men like Clay Aiken. The looks on the faces of the children, all children who come in contact with Clay Aiken is just joyful. HE is joyful.