When UNICEF USA agreed to take part in One Day on Earth – the 24 hour event taking place worldwide on 11/11/11 – it seemed like a great opportunity to advocate for children to be front and center in this moving picture of the earth in one day. But then, as I began to review the videos and images sent in for last year’s event on 10/10/10, I realized that children are by nature front and center on the earth on any given day.
I end where I began, with gratitude for all of you who stay informed, donate, spread the word and offer prayers, thoughts and love to the children affected. When each of us gives a little bit of ourselves, we become part of something very powerful. Collectively, we are making it possible for children to survive the unimaginable. “Thank you” is not enough. The lives saved are the reward we all share.
‘Every Child’ gives you a front row seat to UNICEF’s work in the field and highlights some of the contributions, partnerships, and volunteer efforts that make that work possible. As my colleague, Jen Banbury, and I compile the story list for each issue of ‘Every Child’, we always learn something new about UNICEF and are continually surprised by the ingenuity and resolve of UNICEF staff.
We deplaned at 4:00 AM and UNICEF colleagues greeted us with hugs and cheers. Immediately, I jumped on a forklift with USF Board Member Peter Lamm to see the cargo as it was being unloaded. It may as well have been boxes of golden bricks, for nothing is more valuable or precious than the life of a child. These are the things you won’t hear about on the news.
At TeachUNICEF, our commitment to promoting global citizenship extends beyond our New York City offices. Recently, we have been asked to bring our thoughtful approach to global education on the road. The result was more enlightened teachers, both at the in-service and pre-service stages of their careers.
Tonight, on my flight, we carry emergency health kits, each of which will provide lifesaving supplies to over 1000 people. We will unload in Nairobi and eventually, the supplies will be delivered to UNICEF supported programs in Somalia, which has been devastated by famine.
Thirty years ago, only one out of five children were immunized against killer diseases like measles and polio. Throughout the developing world, millions of children were dying of illnesses that had all but disappeared in the world’s wealthier countries. Since then, a near miracle has taken place. Now, four out of five children are protected by vaccines. Polio is on the verge of elimination. Measles and tetanus deaths have been reduced dramatically. This miracle did not happen by itself.
Read more© 2013 United States Fund for UNICEF. All rights reserved. 1.800.FOR.KIDS 125 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
