UNICEF and You
Making a Difference for Our Children Today

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is an agency of the United Nations that is devoted to the world's children. The UN General Assembly organized UNICEF on 11 December 1946 to assist children victims of World War II. In 1953, our mandate was broadened to respond to the long-term needs of children in developing countries like the Philippines, where the effects of poverty are often hardest on children. Guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child , UNICEF works in more than 160 countries, territories, and areas to promote and fulfill children's rights to health and nutrition, education, protection, emergency relief, water and sanitation, and participation.

UNICEF in the Philippines. We started our work in the Philippines in November 1948 as one of the first UNICEF offices in Asia. We provided milk, medicines, and other essential supplies. In 1979, we shifted from mere emergency response work to more elaborate country programming for children.   We are currently supporting the Sixth Country Programme for Children (CPC 6). CPC 6 aims to make children's rights a reality for children in the Philippines. We are aiming to reduce the disparities in the situation of children and women among communities. We do this by promoting the Child-Friendly Movement. The Child-Friendly Movement is the involvement of all sectors of society to promote and protect children's rights.   In 19 provinces and five cities, UNICEF supports local governments to ensure the delivery of basic services for children and women, and to model good programme practices for children.   The programmes of UNICEF include Health & Nutrition, Education, Children in Need of Special Protection, Child- Friendly Governance, Communication, and HIV/AIDS. (Read more about these at: www.unicef.org/philippines , or call the hotline 758-1000 for more information.)

Our work is made more meaningful by the commitment of ordinary people like you, who share our enthusiasm to make a difference for children in the Philippines.   With the help and support of Bayad Center , generous and compassionate supporters can now conveniently send their donations through hundreds of Bayad Center outlets nationwide.   Everytime you pay your bills at Bayad Center , you may also give a small but meaningful amount to UNICEF.   A donation of as little as P500 a month can help send a streetchild back to school.   Join this select group of caring individuals and be one with UNICEF in giving our children a brighter future.