Overview
UNICEF (the United Nations Children's Fund) -- perhaps the best known of the United Nations' specialized agencies -- has been helping the most vulnerable citizens of the world since its founding in the aftermath of World War II. UNICEF volunteers tend to the physical, psychological, and educational health of children, even during times of conflict. UNICEF strives to end starvation, keep children as safe as possible, and promote literacy.Synopsis
UNICEF (the United Nations Children's Fund) -- perhaps the best known of the United Nations' specialized agencies -- has been helping the most vulnerable citizens of the world since its founding in the aftermath of World War II. UNICEF volunteers tend to the physical, psychological, and educational health of children, even during times of conflict. UNICEF strives to end starvation, keep children as safe as possible, and promote literacy.
Rebecca Watson - Children's Literature
An early morning announcement calls from the mosque to families in a small village in Afghanistan: "Free measles vaccine today!" Although the children are not happy about getting shots, their mothers and grandparents are very happy about the vaccines because measles has been Afghanistan's number one killer. In 2002, almost all Afghani children between six months and twelve years received vaccines from UNICEF. Although this book takes a brief look at the history, funding and organization of the UNICEF agency, the main focus is on the many diseases and problems addressed by UNICEF workers— including polio, malaria and smallpox. Chapters are included on education efforts, the protection of women and children, and children in difficult situations, such as refugee camps. The text is accompanied by many full color photos, maps and charts. Insets address subjects such as the orphans of Ivory Coast and a South Asian cartoon character named Meena created by UNICEF to help change the way girls think of themselves. Included are a glossary, an index and a bibliography. This book is part of the "International Organizations" series by World Almanac Library. 2004, World Almanac Library, Ages 10 up.
Editorials
Children's Literature
An early morning announcement calls from the mosque to families in a small village in Afghanistan: "Free measles vaccine today!" Although the children are not happy about getting shots, their mothers and grandparents are very happy about the vaccines because measles has been Afghanistan's number one killer. In 2002, almost all Afghani children between six months and twelve years received vaccines from UNICEF. Although this book takes a brief look at the history, funding and organization of the UNICEF agency, the main focus is on the many diseases and problems addressed by UNICEF workers— including polio, malaria and smallpox. Chapters are included on education efforts, the protection of women and children, and children in difficult situations, such as refugee camps. The text is accompanied by many full color photos, maps and charts. Insets address subjects such as the orphans of Ivory Coast and a South Asian cartoon character named Meena created by UNICEF to help change the way girls think of themselves. Included are a glossary, an index and a bibliography. This book is part of the "International Organizations" series by World Almanac Library. 2004, World Almanac Library, Ages 10 up.—Rebecca Watson