News from the Field
April 2, 2013
Two Young Lives Torn Apart by Syria Crisis
In Syria, children and their families continue to be uprooted by the violence — some more than once. One displaced family is living in a school in Homs that was turned into a shelter for displaced families. Another has taken refuge in an unfinished residential building. Their daughter has not been in school all year. Four weeks ago, she started attending UNICEF-supported remedial classes. UNICEF and its partner are running remedial classes in shelters for children whose schooling has been interrupted because of displacement or overcrowding.
March 15, 2013
School Helps Malian Refugee Children Return to Normalcy
Mangaize is one of several camps hosting the 50,000 Malian refugees who are now living in the Niger. Over 42 percent of the refugees are school-age children. UNICEF and partners have installed and furnished 11 tent classrooms in Mangaize, for 837 students. There are also four child-friendly spaces in the camp to help distressed children recover from the trauma they experienced. So far, more than 4,700 refugee children are enrolled in five primary schools at sites hosting Malian refugees in the Niger, one of the poorest countries in the world.
March 13, 2013
Two Years after Tsunami in Japan, UNICEF Support Continues
It has been two years since the Japan Committee for UNICEF extended its support to children in Japan affected by the massive earthquake and tsunami. At the outset, workers distributed drinking water, clothing, and other supplies, and provided healthcare services along with support for reopening schools. A highlight of the earthquake recovery support has been the rebuilding of schools and care facilities for young children. Today, children are enjoying their time at these facilities — kindergartens, nursery schools and after-school care centers.
March 8, 2013
In Syria, Women Struggle to Support and Protect Their Families
In Homs, Syria, you don’t have to drive too far to see signs of destruction and devastation. The thundering sound of shelling is part of everyday life here, and hundreds of thousands of civilians have had to flee their homes. In collective shelters, which often lack basic services such as hot water and showers, I witnessed grief over life that had been lost. But I also saw resilience and a strong sense of community. Amidst all this devastation, what gives me hope is the determination of parents to make sure their children receive an education.
March 6, 2013
In Uganda, Knocking Down Barriers to Health Care
In remote areas of Uganda, where health facilities are lacking, it can be difficult to access basic medical care. With the introduction of Family Health Days, however, families can now receive the care and attention they need. The UNICEF-supported Family Health Days are held every four months at various places of worship. Services range from immunization and birth registration of children to free antenatal care for mothers, deworming and blood pressure checks. Counseling and education on leading healthy lifestyles are also offered to youth.
