Before You Donate Money to UNICEF, Know The Work Behind Our Name
If you are considering charities to donate money to, various well-established organizations probably pop into your mind. The problem is that a well-known name does not always equate to a well-known work. Collective misinformation and over-familiarity can drown the passionate heartbeat behind the name.
UNICEF is a name that is familiar to many people and our slogan — “for every child” — makes it clear that we’re a children’s charity. But what’s the passion behind our name and our mission? What is it that we actually do for every child?
Before you donate money to any charity, you need to know exactly what measurable impact the charity is having. (For more helpful guidelines for choosing a charity to donate money to, read this article).
What’s in Our Name
At UNICEF, we are guided by the principle that every child deserves the opportunity to flourish, reach their potential, and reach it well. It is not just a cliché to insist that children are the world’s future — it is a reality. Because of this, they need to be empowered and equipped to reach that future, which requires a holistic approach to childcare that focuses on more than just one aspect of their lives.
We are for every child — and for the whole child.
Here are some of the key areas where UNICEF is impacting the lives of children:
#1 We are involved in Education
Everyone agrees that children have a basic right to education. At UNICEF, we go a step further: we believe that every child has the right to quality education — regardless of race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status. We work both on the ground and on a policy level to promote real advancements in the learning environment. Children should be enabled to become the catalysts of change in their own stories.
When people donate money to UNICEF, they support every child’s right to learn.
#2 We are involved in Nutrition
As outlined in a previous article, 200 million children around the globe suffer from malnutrition. UNICEF provides good food and nutrition to children in need, promoting sustenance and physical development. Because families are usually the primary environments for a child’s care, we work to provide support for parents, giving them the means to provide for their children.
When people donate money to UNICEF, they support every child’s right to nourishment.
#3 We are involved in Sanitation
Every child has the right to clean water and sanitation. We work in many varied and unique ways to put an end to disease and preventable child deaths. Providing access to water that is safe for drinking, cooking, and handwashing goes a long way to ensuring basic sanitation that can prevent disease and promote better nutrition.
When people donate money to UNICEF, they support every child’s right to hygiene.
#4 We are involved in Health
Across the globe, children’s lives are at risk due to health complications and diseases that — in ordinary circumstances — would be highly treatable. These children in need do not have access to the most basic healthcare. For this reason, UNICEF works to provide children — from newborn and up — with quality healthcare. No child should be denied the right to life and healthcare.
When people donate money to UNICEF, they support every child’s right to survival.
#5 We are involved in Protection
When a child’s safety and well-being is compromised, even existing opportunities are obstructed. UNICEF works towards the protection of every child, aiming to put an end to violence against children as well as providing a safe space for them to thrive. Violence stunts a child’s ability to flourish and develop on a physical, mental, and emotional level.
When people donate money to UNICEF, they support every child’s right to safety.
The Whole Story
These foundational areas of education, nutrition, sanitation, health, and protection are all interdependent, directly impacting one another in the life of a child. When one of these aspects is compromised, the others are undermined too.
This is why it is essential to care holistically for a child’s every need — giving them the chance at a loving, safe, and healthy environment to learn, grow, and thrive.
Such care can only be effective if it is consistent and sustained. Once-off help is not enough to transform the lives of children in need. Because of this, UNICEF relies heavily on the monthly donations of our donors. The broader, continued impact of these donations can achieve the all-round care that UNICEF aims to provide.
Find out more about UNICEF and connect with us on Facebook — there’s a lot behind the name!
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