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Promoting Health and Learning with the MDGs
Children are the future, but not all have the opportunity to grow equally.
JCI members have committed to advancing UN Millennium Development Goals 2 and 4: Universal Education and Child Health. Whether it’s raising awareness, raising funds or raising the walls of a new schoolhouse, the young active citizens of JCI are making the future brighter for many kids.
A lack of education and proper health care are tremendous barriers to overcome for children in many nations. Even youth in developed countries can suffer from poor access to health care or inadequate education. Children need our help to ensure they are equipped to become the future leaders the world needs. Consider the facts:
MDG 2: Achieve universal primary education- Globally, 73 million children are not enrolled in primary school.
- Despite a recent rise, 12% of children in developing countries remain out of school. In sub-Saharan Africa, that number rises to 29%.
- Nearly 90 countries have yet to reach universal primary education, and 58 of those are not expected to achieve this goal by 2015.
- Aid directed to basic education for low-income countries is currently USD $5 billion, less than half of the estimated USD $11 billion needed to reach universal primary education by 2015.
MDG 4: Reduce child mortality- Nearly 10 million children under five die every year from preventable causes like pneumonia, measles and malaria.
- In 62 countries, the mortality rate for children under five is not declining rapidly enough to meet the 2015 target of reducing mortality by two thirds.
- Malnutrition is estimated to contribute to more than one third of all deaths in children under five.
- As of 2006, 26% of all children under five years old were considered undernourished.
Teaching the Tools for Success
JCI Estonia recently finished the sixth consecutive year running the “Rat Race” project in four cities across the country. The race, which involves white-collar workers in suits or costumes running throughout the downtown area of each participating city, is a fundraiser for youth education. Partnered with the Estonian Children’s Relief Fund and local orphanages, JCI Estonia is helping provide development opportunities for children who would not otherwise have received them. In 2009, the “Rat Race” project raised more than USD $10,000 for education for area children.
“Opening of the 2009 Rat Race at Tallinn Town Hall square was one of the most touching moments of my year as JCI Estonia National President,” said 2010 JCI Vice President Liina Joller. “I was so thankful to all the teams that came out and supported a great cause and I’m proud of JCI Estonia members who started the event and have kept the tradition alive and growing over the years.”
JCI Latvia has also worked with orphanages and rehabilitation centers to educate children. 135 JCI Latvia members began visiting organizations throughout the Latgalia region of Latvia. Children learned life skills through workshops and lectures conducted by JCI members, who also engaged the kids in dancing, singing, painting and other activities to foster creativity.
Helping Kids Stay Healthy
JCI Japan collaborated with Local Organizations and the Ministry of Health to provide aid to Cambodians in a remote village and the surrounding region who otherwise would not have had access to proper medical and dental care. Fifteen JCI Members, including 12 medical professionals, provided check-ups, lectures and public health materials to more than 500 local residents and children and significantly improved the quality of life for participants.
JCI Dominican Republic and JCI Taiwan joined forces and embarked on a Medical Mission in the Dominican Republic. A group from Taiwan including 12 doctors, two nurses, one assistant and three JCI Members traveled to the Dominican Republic to work with nearly 100 local members and volunteers.
During the mission, the members provided health education and implemented special projects directed and prevention and therapy to reduce the spread of disease. The combined efforts of JCI organizations helped treat 1,000 patients in two communities over 10 days. 2009 JCI Dominican Republic National President Jomara Lockhart was thrilled by the success of the project and the support of fellow JCI members from Taiwan.
“It doesn’t matter what language we speak, our nationality or anything when you are committed to becoming a better person and helping others become better people,” Lockhart said.
Learn how you can help by committing to the UN MDGs and read more about how JCI members are creating positive change around the world.
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