Founded in 1946 after World War II, UNICEF began as a small nonprofit created to help children in Europe who were suffering from hunger, disease, and loss. Over time, it grew into a global organization that now works in more than 190 countries to protect children’s health, education, and safety. UNICEF provides vaccines to prevent deadly diseases, delivers clean water to villages, supplies emergency food during famines, and builds temporary schools when disasters destroy communities. It also gives children basic supplies like books, medicine, and warm clothing to help them live safely and comfortably. Volunteers and workers focus on reaching the most vulnerable children, especially those living in poverty, conflict areas, or places far from cities. In many remote areas, health workers travel by foot, boat, or motorcycle to reach children who would otherwise receive no care at all. During wars and natural disasters, UNICEF sets up safe spaces where children can learn, play, and feel protected while their families recover. The organization also partners with local governments to improve hospitals, provide better medical equipment, and train teachers so that support lasts long after emergencies end. In addition, UNICEF runs programs to teach families about hygiene, nutrition, and child safety to make sure children grow up healthy. Millions of children receive help each year because of donations from people around the world who believe in giving every child a fair chance and a better future.
Sophomore Ava Betancourt of the Cheer team, said, “No child should be left without care or protection.”
Another sophomore, Alejandro Féria, said, “Now children can drink clean water every day and stay healthy, and I no longer worry about them getting sick from something so simple.”
Freshman Benjamin Garcia-Urdaneta believes, “Education gives children hope for a better life, and when they learn to read and write, they begin to believe in their own future.”
UNICEF continues to improve the lives of children and gives them a safer and brighter future.
