Child Welfare - the good, the bad and the ugly

[Elizabeth Kiem]

We thought long and hard at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF about a good call to action for our ODOE supporters. We are mindful that UNICEF's mandate is to advocate for children who are being excluded from fundamental rights - education, health care, proper nutrition and protection.

So much of the media we as an organization want the public to see shows the NEEDs children have - poor sanitation conditions, unsafe housing during emergencies, and lately, the most intense ... famine. And we also document UNICEF's work - vaccination campaigns, school supplies, community health centers.

But what do you ask of filmmakers with the time, the enthusiasm and the privilige to spend 24 hours telling the world's story - not just their own. ?

You could ask them to document the hardships that children face and the barriers to universal child welfare. And we certainly welcome these entries. But I am most interested to see interpretations of the positive. This is One Day on Earth -- let's make the most of it. Show us your idea of One Perfect Day on Earth for a child.

Am I right?

What should the story tell? The Good? The Bad? The Ugly?

 

Or the ideal...?

 

[Valentina]

Sounds great, focus on the positive, and let's see lots of smiles!

[Donna McCombs]

1. Sustainable food
2. Love
3. A place to sleep
4. Security
5. Friendship
6. Guidance
7. Encouragement
8. Recreation

There are many things that children need to sustain them in this world. But these needs are not the expensive type. The simple things that we can do as a group can exceedingly foster these children without changing who they are or who they are meant to be.

Every child has a purpose. It’s up to us to help them get to that stage in their life to fulfill that purpose. To do this we must nurture them in ways that are different. First and foremost they need sustainable food, shelter and, a secure place to live. Secondly they need guidance, encouragement and, love from teachers, mentors and, parents when available. And last but not least, let’s not forget that they are children. They need recreation and the ability to bond with other children near and far. This is the language of the world and if utilized can change not only their world but our world, too.

It is the movement on a journey and not the end that characterizes us. Our journey through life is what makes us who we are. The choices we have to make every day impacts our future. Let’s join together and give these children the right to start their journey today. Because their journey matters!