What is the UNICEF Club?
Wilton High School has no shortage of clubs in which to participate. Almost every student is involved in a club in one role or another.
Today, we will take a look at the UNICEF Club. It is one of the many clubs in our school that is trying to make a difference in the world. We will address some pertinent questions: What do they actually do? Why is the club necessary?—and perhaps most importantly—What can we do to help?
But first: What is UNICEF?
The United Nations created UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) with the mission of providing children around the globe with basic human rights and needs. They are currently active in over 190 countries and territories providing health and educational services, clean water, opportunities for success, and combating climate change. You can read more about their mission here.
Their main goal is to bring awareness and funding to areas of conflict and impoverished nations to help realize this vision.
That’s where the UNICEF Club comes in; it supports UNICEF’s mission from within Wilton High School.
I interviewed Ryan Doughman, a sophomore at Wilton High School and member of the UNICEF Club, to find out more:
So what specifically does the UNICEF Club do to further UNICEF’s mission to provide basic human rights to suffering children around the globe?
“UNICEF Club essentially brings awareness to many things like kids struggling in continents like Africa, South America, and Southern Asia. We get into uncomfortable topics like the atrocity of child soldiers, the forced marriage of young girls, and the condition of kids stuck in war zones like Gaza, Ukraine, and Syria. We fundraise to help these kids. For example, every dollar that we donate goes to the children to help purchase food, clothes, and necessary healthcare. We hold bake sales and go to various charity events in the area to ask for donations as well.”
Why did you join the UNICEF Club? What is your connection to the club’s mission?
“I thought it was a good way to help bring awareness to serve the common good. I feel like in America we have certain things and we take many of them for granted. We have access to food, water, and other things that people in other countries do not necessarily have access to. I believe that everyone should have basic things around the globe regardless of where they are from. If you want to learn more about this club you can talk to Sra. Hernandez, who is the club’s advisor. She can give you an overview of what the club does as well.”
Do you have any family connections to the mission?
“My mom came from Korea during a time of economic uncertainty, I think this just makes me more aware of the struggles people face around the world. My main connection comes from when I was on vacation in Hawaii during the Maui wildfires. I had to stay in a homeless shelter because the National Guard could not get there in time. We talked to some families with children whose houses burnt down, which got me thinking more about the sad situation of children even within the United States. When I was at the club fair and saw the UNICEF club I thought it would be a good thing to participate in.”
How do you think people could help the UNICEF Club with its goals, even if they are not a part of the club?
“Whenever our club holds a bake sale, buy any brownies or any candy that you want. Every dollar counts because it all goes to the children. When you buy something you are essentially giving someone a meal. We are always open to new members, and we want to expand our club. If you care about spreading awareness and helping people, I think the club is a great place to show that you care about these things.”
To recap:
What does the club do? They host fundraisers, plan events, and learn about people in suffering areas that they are actually helping. It is a great club where you can learn about others and make a difference.
Why is the club necessary? The club is necessary because it does so much for people around the world, and is actively helping people. With the combined forces of UNICEF Clubs in schools across the world, students are noticeably impacting the cause.
What can we do to help? As Wilton High Schoolers, we should be grateful for the position we are in and strive to help those who cannot help themselves. One of the best ways to do that is to support the UNICEF club. When you see the club around the school hosting a bake sale, support them. If you have time, you can also join the club. It meets every Wednesday at 7:45 AM. Email [email protected] if you have any questions.
A special thanks to Ryan Doughman for taking the time to be interviewed.
