Clay Aiken – Helping Children of the World

UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador and multi-platinum recording star Clay Aiken visited Afghanistan in April, 2007.  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.

“As a former teacher, I recognize that spark of hope and excitement all children possess when given the opportunity to learn,” said Clay.  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 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.  He also visited some medical clinics in the area and even was 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.

“I couldn’t have been more wrong about Afghanistan.  And I couldn’t have been farther off target about the Afghan people” said Clay. “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.


httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHLtSj7pmsQ

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6 thoughts on “Clay Aiken – Helping Children of the World

  1. Always the teacher… Clay just loves to learn as much as he can, then he uses that knowledge to educate people…He is such a caring person…

    I think of the teaching profession he gave up to be a star, and how wonderful he would have been in the classroom.. He would have been one of those amazing teachers..I just know it… But then I look and see how much, as fans, we have learned about Autism, Inclusion, and so many other things….He brings attention, and is making a difference in this world…He has been true to his word… God love him…

    Thanks for this informative article CANN

    Hugs,
    Judy

  2. I remember that campaign well. We were all determined to help raise money for those children so that Unicef could meet that goal. I’m very proud of the Clay Nation and Clay!

  3. I remember this like it was yesterday. I’ve been keeping up with Afghanistan since this time, and things are slipping backward.

    Hopefully UNICEF will be able to assist in turning the situation around so that the children of Afghanistan will receive the very basic human right of an education.

    Clay has always been about education and about helping those whose voices are not heard. Bravo Clay and thank you CANN for reminding us!

  4. I remember that $100,000 well. It was so exciting to watch the donations climb and thrilling when the goal was exceeded by such a large amount. Clay is a wonderful humanitarian. Thank you to all the CANN volunteers for this great and informative site.

  5. UNICEF made a wonderful choice in Clay Aiken as an Ambassador. I wonder where he will go next. He is always ready and willing to help a child in need no matter where he is asked to go!

  6. Kudos, Ambassador Aiken! Keep up the good work!
    The world needs people like you. But, please don’t forget to SING!!!

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