Blog | Children of Iraq

Top 7 Charitable Organizations Working For Children

June 19, 2018 by Abigail Radcliff

Children around the world are faced with various challenges. Children in certain parts of the world struggle to meet their basic needs. They don’t get food, education or housing. Their health is of great concern too. In order to overcome these challenges, many charitable organizations are working for the children around the world. Here we are going to mention some of them.

UNICEF

UNICEF started its operation by providing food and milk to starving children after the World War II. This organization is active in about 150 countries. It promotes health and provides education, immunization, etc. to places where it is needed most.

Save the Children

This organization also has offices throughout the world. They started in 1919 by providing help to children in Vienna after the World War I. They provide education, healthcare and food aid to children. They even sponsored an L.A. vacation before with luxury car rentals and more.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBSSA)

It is one of the largest organizations for monitoring the youth in the US. This organization helps the children to improve their skills, boost confidence, and more. The children get an education to stay away from alcohol and drugs.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

This organization was created to positively impact the boys who roam around the street. There are thousands of clubs across the US. Many trained professionals and volunteer work for the organization. The clubs provide education, healthcare needs, career consultation, alcohol prevention program, etc.

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

Tobacco is one of the leading causes of death in the US. According to a statistic, about 23% of high school students are smoking. This organization works towards helping the children to quit smoking.

Canines for Disabled Kids (CDK)

This organization started its journey in 1998. It gives assistance dogs to children with special needs who are under 12 years of age. Autistic children or those having a hearing problem can benefit from this service. These dogs can help with the daily tasks and also act as a companion to the children.

KaBOOM!

This organization helps in building hundreds of playgrounds and athletic fields for children in areas where there are no such things. They have also build playgrounds in disaster-struck areas. Their parent organization also offers Ferrari hire in Los Angeles and other luxury travel options.

These organizations are always working hard to make children’s lives better. They are always there wherever you will find poverty-stricken children. They provide health care, education, and food to these children. These organizations ensure that these children can also lead a normal life after all the hardships they have gone through. Many people work as volunteers in these organizations. Wealthy people also donate fund to these organizations so that they can continue their operations.

8 Ways Volunteering Can Change Your Life

May 29, 2018 by Abigail Radcliff

Doing volunteer work is good for your own development. You can also contribute something positive to the society. There are many volunteer organizations around the world who are working towards improving the lives of people. You can join one of these organizations and gain a remarkable experience. You can also visit new places and meet new people. Here are some of the ways volunteering can change your life.

It makes you happy

There is nothing more fulfilling than helping others. By doing volunteer works you get the chance to help people who are in distress. Happiness is the primary reward you get from volunteering.

Build network

By doing voluntary works, you can meet business leaders and influencers in the community. You will make more friends and will be able to build a good network. This network can later help you in your professional life.

Develop social skills

Volunteering exposes you to a lot of people from various walks of life. Your social skills will develop as you will be interacting with them. You will be able to learn many things from the others.

Learn new skills

Volunteering can teach you valuable skills that will help you in your personal and professional life. You can also improve the skills you already have. You get the opportunity to learn every day.

Gain experience

You get a lot of experience by volunteering. You learn how to manage time and complete tasks on time. You learn how to meet goals and communicate with others. Teamwork is another thing you become good at. All these experience will help you in your professional life.

Be part of the community

Volunteer works will teach you what problems your community is facing. You will know about the society and their problems. You will know what you can do to make it a better place to live in. You will feel connected to the society by doing volunteer works.

Build up confidence

Volunteering can improve your self-esteem and self-confidence. By doing volunteer works you will get a sense of identity and feel proud of yourself. You will know how your activities are affecting lives around you.

Feel healthy

Volunteering is good for your physical and mental health. You will stay physically active. You will also be able to get rid of your stress, depression, and anxiety. As you will be connected to people, you will never feel alone. Overall, it will make you happy.

You can make a change in the society by doing voluntary works. You will be able to impact lives of other people positively. Volunteering is a very fulfilling job and you will enjoy this new experience.

What Is UNICEF Doing For Improving The Lives In Iraq?

May 29, 2018 by Abigail Radcliff

The UNICEF has always helped people who were in need and distressed condition. Their operations are all over the world. The plan of UNICEF in making lives in Iraq better is in line with the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) of 2018. They have various programs to deal with each of the problems that the country is facing.

The WASH program is ensuring access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation. The Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) and the World Food Programme (WFP) are working on the education and food sector. The UNFPA is taking care of the health sector. Here are some of their plans.

They will try to reach the people in need no matter where they are located. RRM will provide help to families that are on the move. They will be taken to different communities where they will be able to meet their basic needs.
The people will be given access to safe water, sanitation. The hygiene awareness will be raised by setting up camps and educating the people.
Proper immunization will be provided to children under the age of 5. The healthcare of these children is one of the priorities of UNICEF.
Children will be given access to quality education. They will be given sustained psychological support. E-Learning services will help the out-of-school children to get education. They will also provide protection services to the children in need.
UNICEF will work with the government partners and non-government organizations so that long-term recovery plan can be set and implemented.
Child rights issues will be monitored and verified through Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism. This will help them to get better access to their needs.
This year UNICEF has requested the US $ 101,151,160 as part of their Iraq recovery plan. With this money, they plan to improve the sanitation facility, education system, healthcare, and protection system of Iraq.
Provide child-focused cash assistance so that the basic needs of the parents and caregivers are met. The parents will then feel encouraged to send their children to schools.

If the adequate fund is not received that it will be impossible to fulfill their plan. They need the fund to extend their WASH services, improve sanitation, buy resources for education, etc. Children should be given childhood vaccinations to protect them from diseases. Last year UNICEF has achieved some good results. They were able to reach a considerable number of displaced families and provide them with the basic needs. This year they expect to reach more families and improve their living conditions. UNICEF is showing hope to these distressed people in Iraq and they can now dream of a better future.

8 Problems The Children In Iraq Are Facing Today

May 29, 2018 by Abigail Radcliff

Even after so many years after the war, about 9 million people in Iraq need humanitarian assistance. Millions of people still need safe water. About 3 million people are now displaced and they need to be brought back home. It is expected that there will be a reduction in the armed violence in Iraq. The children in Iraq are in the most vulnerable state. Here are some of the major problems they are facing today.

Poverty

A large population in Iraq lives under the poverty line. About 3.5 million children are affected by poverty in Iraq. For this reason, these children cannot even enjoy their basic rights.

Health

After the war, the health of the children in Iraq is severely affected. The mortality rate of children less than 5 years old is increasing. Millions of children are suffering from malnutrition. The mental health of these children is also bad. They suffer from panic, fear and other mental traumas.

Education

Though the education in Iraq is free for children under the age of 12, there is lack of proper facilities. The classrooms are overcrowded and the children are being deprived of quality education. Children who are displaced or disabled, cannot get access to education at all. The unstable political condition is Iraq has led to the closing down of several schools, thus hampering children’s education.

Discrimination and abuse

The free education and other government facilities are only received by children whose parents are Iraqi. The others have to pay for these services. The children are also victims of physical and psychological violence. Many authorities use violence as a means of enforcing the order. The parents also adopt these methods to teach discipline to their children. The children observe these and learn such abusive acts themselves.

Exploitation by armed groups

Children are joining the armed groups and terrorist networks. They are exploited and they often take part in attacks against the civilians.

Orphans

Iraq has a large number of orphans. Lots of lives have been lost in the war and it is estimated that about one in every six Iraqi people is orphan. There is no scope for adoption as the Iraqi law doesn’t allow it.

Child labor

Children start earning money from a very young age. They do this in order to meet their basic needs. A large number of children beg on streets or sell cigarettes. They don’t go to schools and so remain uneducated.

Child Trafficking

It is a major problem in Iraq. The young girls are trafficked. They are either sold as servants or forced to work as prostitutes.

There are camp services available like sanitation facilities, water supply, schools, etc. for the displaced children; however, these facilities are expensive. Children need psychological and other health-related support to lead a good life in this post-war zone.

7 Things You Should Know About The War In Iraq

May 29, 2018 by Abigail Radcliff

The war in Iraq has been on the news for many years. After so many years, people still discuss about it in the public forum and other places. In these discussions, people try to find out the consequences of the war and whether it was justified or not. Here are the things you should know about the war in Iraq.

The war was a man-made disaster. There was false information regarding the reasons behind the war. Iraq was considered a threat to the U.S. After the 9/11 attack, US President George Bush declared that Iraq government was supporting the Al-Queda and Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Both the claims were unproven after the war.
One of the goals of the war was to make Iraq an independent country. But the Bush administration wanted to privatize the Iraqi economy. They wanted to control the oil companies. Oil in Iraq was nationalized in the early 1970s. The US government wanted to sell the oil rights to the American companies.
The US government wanted the newly formed Iraqi government to sign a long-term lease for the American military base situated in Iraq. This would ensure American military dominance in the country. However, this was not done.
There has been a huge refugee crisis. About 10% of the population became refugees. Most of them now live in San Diego County. About a million people died in Iraq during the war. The infrastructure of the country was destroyed.
Health of the Iraqi people is a concern. Most of them are experiencing post-traumatic disorder and psychological trauma. Though the US government sent $31 million aid to the health ministry in Iraq in 2012, the amount is not enough.
The cost of the war was too high. The seven-year war cost more than a trillion dollars. The US government borrowed this money. This money could be used in good causes like roads, education, social security, etc.
This children of Iraq are suffering due to lack of education, food, and healthcare. These children must be given proper support. They should be given the right education so that they can take the right decisions in their lives.

The Americans now want to forget about the Iraq war. However, there are reasons to remember it. Lots of lives were lost and it was not worth it. They should remember it so that they don’t’ make such mistake in future again.

5 Reasons You Should Travel To Iraq

May 29, 2018 by Abigail Radcliff

Many people might think that traveling to Iraq is like going to the wilderness. To some extent it’s true. You will find miles of deserts with no one around. But at the same time, there are lots of things to see and experience in Iraq. Here are some great reasons you should visit Iraq.

The hospitality of the people

The people of Iraq are very kind and friendly. You will love and enjoy their hospitality. People are very eager to help here. Many people know English quite well and they will start conversing with you in English. The people will be curious to know why you are here and how long you are going to stay. They will show you around, welcome you for dinner, and what not.

Price of things

Things in Iraq are very cheap. So, you are planning a trip on a budget, Iraq is the best place to be. The food here is very delicious and very cheap. You can bargain on the things you buy. The people of Iraq are very honest, so you won’t need to bargain that much. They won’t overcharge you. The travel is cheap too. You must remember that you will hardly find any ATM booth in Iraq. So, make sure you bring cash along with you.

Adventure

There are many unexplored areas in Iraq. You will love the journey to the unknown. There are beautiful landscapes in Iraq. You will enjoy your ride through the desert. You will see canals, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, etc. Even the streets and markets are very interesting. You can just wander around the streets and have some good time.

Do volunteer work

One good reason to visit Iraq is to do voluntary works. There are many organizations that are working to improve the lives of people in Iraq. You can get involved with them and do some volunteer works. You can give gifts to the refugee children, teach them or give them food for few days. It can be a truly rewarding experience.

Rich history

Iraq has a rich history. You might not find many of the historical sites today; still, you will be able to get a good idea of how rich the country’s history is. You must visit sites like Rabban Hormizd Monastery, Saddam Hussein’s former palaces, etc.

Iraq is a safe place to travel. You won’t find any thief or pickpockets. The Iraqi people are very honest. So, you can plan your visit to Iraq without any hesitation. It’s a great country and you will bring lots of memories with you.