Tag Archives: Volunteering

UNICEF

UNICEF, also known as United Nations Children’s Fund and formerly called the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, is a special program funded by the United Nations (UN) to enhance the overall quality of health, nutrition, and education of children around the world trapped in the unending cycle of poverty and inequality.

The nonprofit organization was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 11^th December 1946. The purpose of this life-saving program was first established during World War II, when its only aim was to help children in countries devastated by the aftermath of the global conflict. Afterwards, UNICEF members concentrated their fund in less developed countries, providing free emergency food and education to needy children.

Since its creation, UNICEF has successfully improved the general welfare of children in more than 100 countries. In 1950, UNICEF was able to nourish over 6 million children as it provided them with nutritious food and warm clothing. By 1973, UNICEF was successful in combating the deaths caused by consuming unhygienic food and water.

In 1982, the organization launched the Child Survival and Development Revolution, which focused and encouraged four aspects – monitoring children’s growth, supplying vaccinations, promoting breastfeeding, and oral rehydration therapy. By the implementation of these techniques, UNICEF helped improve the lives of children worldwide. By the end of 1993, the life expectancy rate of children was elevated by over 33%. Moreover, child death rates decreased considerably while there was an increase in school attendance. In most underdeveloped countries, living conditions were slightly improved with the consumption of purified water and healthy food.

In 2012, UNICEF’S global distribution of immunization to unfortunate children led to the eradication of life-altering disease, like polio in India. Owing to UNICEF’s efforts, Africa reported zero cases of polio in 2015.

In addition to the healthcare aid of children, UNICEF has moved one step ahead by protecting children from abuse and violence. Counselors hired by the state members of UNICEF have helped recover children exposed to violence at an early age. In 2016, UNICEF extended their help to underprivileged children of Gaza. Due to the organization’s efforts, parents in the region have reported improvement in their children’s mental health.

Amita Vadlamudi supports many charitable organizations and contributes to many charitable causes. Ms. Vadlamudi has written extensively about various charitable organizations and about volunteering ones time. Some of Amita Vadlamudi’s other articles on this website are:

http://amitavadlamudi.org/2018/03/05/the-magnanimity-of-the-red-cross/
http://amitavadlamudi.org/2018/06/17/peace-corps-diplomacy-in-action/
http://amitavadlamudi.org/2018/10/07/lend-a-hand-be-a-volunteer/

Lend a Hand: Be a Volunteer

Every person in this world has a responsibility to help the unfortunate and to make this world a better place to live. Many people and organizations, indeed for centuries, have done much charitable work and continue to do so.

Though some celebrities may receive significant publicity for their work, there are millions of ordinary people around the world who help the needy in various ways, while not receiving or expecting any recognition. All these people make the world a gentler and kinder place with their generosity.

Financial assistance is not the only way to help others. You can volunteer your time to help out people in many ways. You can volunteer at places like churches, charitable organizations, civic clubs and libraries and schools.

You can help the elderly by doing shopping for them, making minor repairs around their house, or simply being a friendly visitor. There are organizations that facilitate such services. Check out your local listings.

You can help children and teens by being a “big sister” or a “big brother”. Some children need help with their homework or remedial education. Some need guidance and sympathetic ear to talk to. There are organizations that arrange such contacts.

You can help people affected by disasters like fires, floods and medical issues, by offering to clean up or offering transportation, babysitting and light housekeeping services. You can contact humanitarian organizations such as Redcross to see where the help is needed.

Teachers are often overworked and stressed and they can always use some help. You can act as the teacher’s assistant and help them with small chores around the classroom. You may also assist with tasks such as checking papers, disciplining children, and reading stories to them.

You can volunteer at a library shelving books, cleaning up racks and assisting the staff with other necessary tasks.

There are many ways to give your time helping other people. Volunteering is a very satisfying and fulfilling job. It also helps you make friendships. It makes you connect with the world and appreciate your own good fortune.

Connecting with an organization where you can volunteer is easy. You can check out their website, contact them through phone or email and offer your service. Soon you will be on your way to starting a very rewarding journey.

The author of this article Amita Vadlamudi published many more articles on Scribd and Weebly Websites. More information about Ms. Vadlamudi can be found on her AngelList Website.

Peace Corps: Diplomacy in Action

Doves, the peace makers

A typical Peace Corps volunteer can be described as friendly, learned and worldly. Fluent in foreign languages and equipped with great anecdotes from around the world, Peace Corps volunteers stand apart from everyone else. One has to wonder what exactly is the Peace Crops and what does it do to make such refined members.

Peace Corps is a volunteer program run by the US government. Officially established in March 1961 during the presidency of John F. Kennedy, the program aims to “promote world peace and friendship” by helping countries in need of trained manpower, creating understanding of American people in other countries as well as appreciation of other countries in America.

Peace Corps volunteers are US citizens over the age of 18 who are deployed to different parts of the world and expected to work with the local schools, non-profits and small scale enterprises. The two current focal points of the program are education and health.

As per recent figures, 41% of volunteers are delegated to educational programs while 20% work in health-related fields. Deployment takes place after three months of training. During their service, volunteers are given an allowance to live in the same lifestyle as the local people. Transportation, medical care and dental care are covered by the program. The term of service is 24 months with an option to request an extension upon completion of term.

From their service, Peace Corps members not only get experience in the socio-economic development sector but also become global citizens committed to making a positive difference. Volunteers gain a newfound appreciation of the world’s diversity as well as an understanding of global cooperation and America’s responsibility as a developed nation towards countries in their developing stages. The richness of the experiences gained during service is the reason why more than 230,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps. Returning Peace Corps volunteers speak about their experiences and advocate for the program across the country.

Although Peace Corps volunteers are mostly young, with the average volunteer’s age being 28, the program has no age barrier. Some volunteers have served during the span of many decades – both in their youth and in their later years.

On the whole, Peace Corps is a much needed program especially considering the current global political situation. The program shows that diplomacy in action is not a zero-sum game and when the focus is cooperation, it can lead to lasting peace and global development.

Author Information:

Amita Vadlamudi is a prolific blogger on many subjects. Following is the list of some of the web sites that Ms. Vadlamudi publishes to and has a presence on.

Amitavadlamudi.com
Amitavadlamudi.net
Alternion
Edocr