Organizations Over the Last Several

¶ … Organizations

Over the last several years, a variety of different international organizations have stepped forward. This is a part of an effort to address the underlying challenges facing a number of children in a host of countries ranging from: Africa to the Asia. Where, cases of: poverty, disease and famine are not uncommon. To tackle the various challenges, many organizations have begun to utilize a number of tools to help them achieve their underlying objectives (as they will often employ a multi-faceted approach). In the case of UNICEF and Save the Children, they have begun using a similar kind of strategy, to address the underlying challenges facing many different children around the globe. A good example of this can be seen by looking no further than, the immunization campaign that UNICEF has started in 50 different countries. Where, they would work with local health officials to immunize children against a number of possible diseases. Evidence of this can be seen by looking no further than, the program that UNICEF introduced in the Middle East and North Africa. Where, they would help to immunize children against a number of different ailments the most notable include: polio. This is significant, because it shows how UNICEF efforts to irradiate the remaining cases around the globe have proven to be effective. One place where the most dramatic effect occurred is in Lebanon, as the agency was able to eliminate the disease despite concerns of a spike after the civil war. This support that UNICEF would provide to Lebanon and other nations would help them to be inducted into the Polio Hall of Fame. This is where those individuals and organizations that were most influential, in irradiating polio are honored. That fact that UNICEF received such a distinction is a testament to the underlying commitment that these organizations have in protecting children around the globe. ("Annual Report 2008," 2009) To fully understand the impact that these two entities have on the lives of children requires: examining the background of both organizations and discussing three persuasive appeals of each one. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights, as to the role that both multinational entities, are playing in supporting the issues that affect children the most.

UNICEF Background

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) was started in 1946. Its original purpose was to provide medical assistance to the children who were being affected by the aftermath of World War II. Where, the war would leave many children vulnerable to: famine and disease. The lack of infrastructure in many of the countries meant that those children who would become sick, more than likely would face the possibility of not being able to survive. To prevent such catastrophes from happening, UNICEF was created. Over the years, its role has been continually evolving as the needs of the children have changed. This has meant that mission has been expanded to address the underlying challenges facing children in a number of countries around the world. As UNICEF receives it's funding from: various governments and private donors. The objective of the organization is to promote children's health issues around the world through: immunization campaigns, nutrition, advocacy, promoting education / gender equality, protecting children from the effects of conflict and establishing a number of partnerships. ("Annual Report 2008," 2009) This is significant, because it shows how UNICEF started out protecting the welfare of children following the aftermath of World War II. Then, as times began to change the overall mission would evolve, with the organization focusing on the total aspect of these issues on the lives of children. Once this took place, it would mean that UNICEF would begin to play a critical role in serving as the advocate for the world's children on a host of different issues.

Three Persuasive Appeals of UNICEF

The three persuasive appeals of UNICEF are: it has vast amounts of resources, flexibility and they can help to bring political pressure upon a number of different entities (as far as children's issues are concerned). The total amount of resources that UNICEF has at their disposal helps to improve the operational efficiency of the organization. Where, they can seek the assistance of both governments and private donors in achieving their objectives. This is important, because it can allow UNICEF to effectively address various challenges that could be affecting children in a particular country / region. ("About UNICEF," 2010)

To achieve the different goals of the organization, UNICEF is divided into National Committees. These are designed to be the face of the organization in a particular region / country. Where, they will help to: raise money, promote awareness about a variety of children's resources and to play a vital role in distributing assistance (where it is most needed). This gives the organization flexibility, as they can quickly adapt to host of possible challenges that they could be facing. ("About UNICEF," 2010)

Political pressure can be brought upon entities and individuals that are knowingly abusing children. Where, they can help to highlight how these abuses are occurring, despite the fact that they are banned by international law. ("About UNICEF," 2010) A good example of this can be seen with various conflicts. As UNICEF would play a critical role in highlighting how many African nations are using children to conduct brutal military operations against the civilian population. ("Annual Report 2008," 2009) This is important, because without this organization pointing out the abuses that are occurring, most people would more likely be unaware of what was taking place.

Background of Save the Children

Save the Children was started in 1919, to assist the children who were being affected by the aftermath of World War I. With its founder Eglantyne Jebb the founder saying, "We cannot leave defenseless children anywhere exposed to ruin -- moral or physical. We cannot run the risk that they should weep, starve, despair and die, with never a hand stretched out to help them." This is important, because it shows how Save the Children would serve as the first organization to look out for the well being of children around the world (as it would take more of regional focus in the beginning). As Save the Children, would concentrate on a number of different goals to include: providing foods, medical care, shelter and education to children in these troubled areas. Then, as time went by this mission would change, with more of an international focus being taken. Evidence of this can be seen with the establishment of Save the Children United States in 1932. At which point, this organization would continually fight various injustices and tragedies that were having dramatic effects on children. To achieve these objectives Save the Children would receive funding from a number of different sources to include: individuals, foundations, corporations, governments and national / international agencies. As a result, the organization has a global outreach, with them currently operating in 50 different countries around the globe. This is significant, because it shows how the role of Save the Children is similar to that of UNICEF. Where, they both are focused on improving the lives of children around the globe. ("History," 2010)

Three Persuasive Appeals for Save the Children

The three percussive appeals for save the children would include: the ground breaking work that they are doing in education, child protection and health. Through education, Save the Children has been focusing on providing those who cannot afford an education, the opportunity to receive one. Where, they will provide funding and give materials to various schools. This is helping to improve the lives of children, by giving them the opportunity to have some kind of economic advancement in the future. At which point, they can play an important role in breaking the never ending cycle of poverty in many countries. This is important, because it shows how the organization is playing a vital part in addressing various issues that can contribute to poverty (with the most notable being illiteracy). As they have helped to significantly improve literacy rates around the globe. ("Success Stories," 2010)

Secondly, Save the Children helps to protect the most vulnerable in society from: abuse, neglect and exploitation. This is important, because it can help to keep the spotlight on issues that could often be overlooked in the mainstream press. Where, most people do not hear about such issues occurring. Once this takes place, it means that new standards can be introduced, helping to discourage and prevent such actions in the future. This is important, because it shows how Save the Children is addressing the issues of violence. Where, they are providing them with safe places and assistance to escape never ending patterns of abuse. ("Success Stories," 2010)

Through various health services, Save the Children reaches out to mothers and the families. Where, they help to educate everyone about proper nutrition and what health / sanitary issues they should be aware of. This is important, because the underlying levels of family health will depend upon, the education they have about: well being issues and access to health care. A good example of this can be seen with the organization's program for addressing various health issues affecting families to include: the nutritional needs of mothers / newborns, preventing childhood obesity and vaccinating children against a number of diseases. This is significant, because it shows how Save the Children is playing a vital role, in helping to promote nutrition. Where, children are learning to maintain a balance between malnourishment and obesity, with these two challenges continuing to affect large numbers of children around the globe. ("Success Stories," 2010)