UNICEF has been on West Ranch campus for three years and is operated by co-presidents Amberin Rahman and Faith Lawrence. The purpose of UNICEF, according to Rahman is “to educate people about the challenges that children face in third world countries and hold fundraisers to provide resources for them.” In many developed nations, such as the United States, the population is unaware of the hardships the developing countries are facing such as food shortages, water deficits, violence, and unstable governments.
UNICEF’s goals are unique amongst fundraising clubs at West Ranch as they do not solve domestic needs, but rather aim to provide humanitarian aid to children around the globe. UNICEF at West Ranch attains money for donation through a variety of methods. Club co-president Faith Lawerence explained, “we plan on fundraising by involving the student body in bake sales, festivals and speaker meetings, so we can raise awareness in the process. We convert the cash to a check and mail it to the UNICEF organization. This month we aim to raise $200, $600 for six months, and $2000 for a year.” A $2000 objective may not solve the problems LDCs face but if met will ensure that up to 10,000 meals and 26,666 ounces of bottled water will be provided to children living in poverty-stricken regions. With such an ambitious objective, the club seeks members to fill its ranks throughout the school year. Lawrence elaborated, “we hold regular meetings on Tuesday brunches but longer meetings take place at lunch.”
Club presidents Lawrence affirm that the true prize of joining UNICEF is the moral uplift of all members as they gain “a sense of impact that we as a committee are helping children across the world.” There are few opportunities for a highschool student to benefit the world, and no matter how small, individual efforts will benefit humanitarian efforts to a certain extent.
Sophomore Elijah Kopp, who has been considering joining UNICEF, confirms, “I have always wanted to help people globally and I am very excited for UNICEF.” Enthusiasm to join UNICEF is shared by students across the grades within West Ranch.
New members will find UNICEF full of promising opportunities. Through volunteering for UNICEF, students gain community service hours while helping children in impoverished countries get an education, maintain protection of their rights and receive food.
