©UNICEF/UN0119399
FALL 2017 CHARITY PARTNER
A massive earthquake endangers five million children in Mexico. Hurricane Maria — the Atlantic’s worst storm in a century — strikes Puerto Rico. Severe flooding across South Asia upends tens of millions of lives. Ethnic violence in Myanmar prompts hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees to flee to Bangladesh.
These are just a few of the many humanitarian crises happening around the world today.
In 2016 alone, UNICEF responded to 344 humanitarian emergencies in 108 countries. More than a third of them were natural disasters. This year is no different. As local, national, and international organizations mobilize, UNICEF is working right alongside them to help children whose lives have been turned upside-down. Much is needed: healthcare, nutrition, protection – and educational and recreational materials, so they can keep on being kids.
Currently, one in four of the world’s out-of-school children live in crisis-affected countries. For children in emergencies, education is lifesaving. Schools give children stability and structure to help cope with the trauma they have experienced. In many cases, schools also provide children with other life-saving interventions, such as food, water, sanitation, and health.
Parents and children affected by crisis consistently name education as one of their top priorities. Because when children get an education, despite circumstances, whole societies benefit as education can boost economic growth, reduce poverty and inequality, and contribute to restoring peace and stability.
In the coming days, as the impact from events still unfolding become clear, UNICEF will do what it does best: putting children first, ensuring that they have what they need to survive the initial impact and then get back to what kids do best…playing, learning, and hatching plans for a brighter future.
To learn more visit www.unicefusa.org or you can help contribute to UNICEF’s emergency relief efforts at www.unicefusa.org/relief
UNICEF USA does not support any company, product, or service.
