Clay Aiken – A Fact-Finding Trip

In 2007, Clay Aiken was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Clay visited Afghanistan in April of that year. Word reached the American news media that Clay arrived in Afghanistan on April 3rd. Because of safety concerns, Clay’s visit was kept secret until he and his traveling companions were in a safe environment.

Traveling with UNICEF country representative, Catherine Mbengue and his high school teacher Mary Props, Clay visited schools in Kabul and Bamiyan.

Clay said:

As a former teacher, I recognize that spark of hope and excitement all children possess when given the opportunity to learn. Rebuilding schools, training teachers, providing essential supplies and teaching materials are just some of the advances UNICEF and its partners have made to keep that hope flourishing.

Clay was especially excited about his visit to Bamiyan. He thought it was one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen. He was also excited about visiting a school there where boys and girls were being educated together. Clay also visited some medical clinics in the area and was even able to administer polio vaccine to a newborn baby.

Clay reported that he felt that the greatest natural resource in Afghanistan is its people. He reported that he hoped to inform the people of the United States of the deep desire on the part of the children to learn.

Clay stated:

I couldn’t have been more wrong about Afghanistan. And I couldn’t have been farther off target about the Afghan people. With the exception of maybe my grandparent’s house, I have never felt more welcomed. The afghan people are some of the most gracious and inviting people on Earth.

Clay and Mary Props spent almost two weeks on this fact-finding trip. When they returned, Clay reported that in Afghanistan, UNICEF had distributed teaching and learning materials to 2.71 million children and 61,780 teachers, supported Mobile School Protection Teams in 34 provinces, and trained 614 teacher trainers as well as 8,110 newly recruited female teachers.

After returning home to the United States, Clay started an appeal called “$100,000 in 10 Days.” On the 10th day, the following announcement was released by UNICEF. “Congratulations! We raised $181,783.03 for the kids of Afghanistan during this ten day campaign. That’s $80,000 more than the original goal we set for this campaign.”

Congratulations to UNICEF, Clay and many of his fans who worked together to help the children in Afghanistan. It was a good team effort.

When Clay returned home, UNICEF released a wonderful video of Clay’s trip.

Take a look.

 

~~~~~

After a day of rest from news of Clay Aiken and his campaign, I expect today will be filled with much information.

I will post it as soon as I get the information!

There are only 30 days before the Primary Election!

That means lots of work for all the candidates!

Clay Aiken News Network is an unofficial fansite. We are not affiliated in any way with Clay Aiken or his management. This website was made by fans for fans and makes no impression or impersonation of the official site, which can be found under the domain clayaiken.com.

4 thoughts on “Clay Aiken – A Fact-Finding Trip

  1. that was a wonderful video!! made me smile seeing Clay sing and talk with the people! never once doubted that he has people skills lol!

  2. This was a great and well written piece, thank you! Thanks for sharing it with those of us who are getting to know Clay and his public servant heart better on the trail here in NC! The support of those around the world for UNICEF and this important work for children continues to make a huge impact for good. Can't wait for people to see this side of Clay on the trail in NC02 this year and when he's elected to represent US in Congress!

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