Schools for Africa
In sub-Saharan Africa, 1/3 of all children are unable to go to school.
They may be prevented because of conflict or discrimination. Or they may be shut out for an even simpler reason: There are not enough schools. There are not enough teachers.
In 2004, UNICEF and the Nelson Mandela Foundation started Schools for Africa, a campaign to promote education for all, with a special emphasis on girls, orphans, children living in extreme poverty and other vulnerable children.
Through Schools for Africa, UNICEF works closely with governments, communities and other partners in 11 sub-Saharan countries to:
- build, rehabilitate and furnish schools;
- provide access to clean water and separate latrines for boys and girls;
- train teachers in child-friendly methods to improve education and basic life skill mentoring;
- supply students with school materials and recreation equipment.
The right to education gives children confidence and empowerment. An educated child is less likely to be a victim of violence or exploitation and more likely to invest in their community and the welfare of the next generation of children.
Serena Williams and Schools for Africa
Serena Williams is the newest UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador to support Schools for Africa. Read more about how the tennis champion will use her popularity and personal interest in children's issues to support UNICEF's mission to provide a quality education for the most vulnerable children.
Playlist with the A-List Event Raises $250,000
An A-list karaoke event hosted by the U.S. Fund for UNICEF on May 17 in Los Angeles' legendary El Rey Theater featured performances from Michelle Branch, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Brooklyn Decker, James Ingram, Jena Malone, Angela Kinsey, Ne-yo and others.
The event raised $250,000 for the Schools For Africa campaign.
A hilarious time was had by all ... and the proceeds will change the lives of school children in Africa.
The K.I.N.D. Fund for Kids In Need of Desks
Late last year, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF teamed up with MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell to launch a unique donation campaign. Kids in Need of Desks aims to provide a first step towards creating child-friendly schools in Malawi, where only 1 in 5 school-children can sit at a proper desk.
Since then, the K.I.N.D Fund has raised enough money to furnish 172 schools in Malawi. To date, more than 30,000 new desks are in place thanks to the K.I.N.D. Fund.
