On our way

We're up at 30,000 feet excitedly awaiting touching down in Lima in several hours. Thanks for following us on our exciting adventure with UNICEF!

Wondering why we're traveling all this way? Because as a family, we truly believe in the urgently needed work UNICEF is doing on behalf of children all over the world.

We're so excited to have the chance to learn about the work UNICEF is doing in Peru, and to meet children and families whose lives have been made better because of it. We are also thrilled to be able to meet the UNICEF team members responsible for making this life-changing work happen in the field.

But before the trip begins...here are some facts about UNICEF worth knowing:

1. UNICEF is a human rights & development organization, not a charity. UNICEF is mandated by the UN General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities. UNICEF supports the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a human rights doctrine for children worldwide. 

2. UNICEF believes in equity. 
Every child has a right to the same opportunity to survive, develop, and reach his or her full potential. UNICEF addresses inequity at its root - from child poverty to education. Over 16,000 children under five die from preventable causes every day. UNICEF is committed to changing this for all children - including the most marginalized and vulnerable. 

3. UNICEF is (almost) everywhere. 
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories. UNICEF USA is the oldest & largest of the 35 national committees conducting advocacy, education & fundraising. 

4. UNICEF delivers results for children at scale. 
Programs include health, water, sanitation & hygiene, nutrition, HIV/ AIDS, education, child protection, social inclusion, gender equality & girls’ empowerment and humanitarian action. UNICEF conducts cross-cutting work on children with disabilities, early childhood development and adolescent development.  

5. UNICEF is a leader in emergencies. 
In 2016, UNICEF responded to 344 humanitarian situations in 108 countries. UNICEF is the global leader on WASH, nutrition, and gender-based violence in emergencies. UNICEF’s warehouse in Copenhagen can ship supplies anywhere in 48-72 hours. 

6. UNICEF has access and influence. 
UNICEF partners with governments so that experts can help shape policies from the top down, while working with local leaders and families. A commitment to neutrality allows UNICEF to negotiate cease-fires and set up humanitarian corridors to save and protect children. 

Children's rights. Access and influence. Results for children that can be delivered at scale. A leader in emergencies...and maybe most importantly, that commitment to neutrality. Saving children's lives is NEVER, ever political...no matter where in the world UNICEF goes.

The team at UNICEF has put together an incredible field visit itinerary for us to truly give us a sense for the breadth and impact of their work in the country, from WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) systems they've put in place to maternity care and early childhood programs, anti-Zika initiatives, supportive educational programs for children and adolescents (particularly those who are indigenous and marginalized), anti-violence and anti-exploitation efforts, and more. We'll spend part of Monday being briefed, then fly to Iquitos for a few days, visiting several villages along the Amazon. 

So, thanks for following along. We can't wait to share this experience with you.

For more information on UNICEF's work in Peru, click here.