Celebrity Educational Activism: Spotlight on Clay Aiken

From Edupinion.com

These are difficult times for K–12 education, with the economy and state budget cuts jeopardizing what were already severely compromised programs. Although active parent communities can help keep some offerings afloat, few have the financial resources to effect change on a larger scale.

Many celebrities, however, include education in their philanthropic activism. A relatively recent newcomer to this arena is former American Idol singer Clay Aiken, who has been unusually active in furthering educational missions. As he explains on his website, "My music career has allowed me to do the same thing I was doing before—work with kids. It has just given me a bigger stage, so I can enact change on a grander scale."

Before Idol, Aiken was pursuing a degree in special education and tutored a boy with autism. After successfully launching his singing career, Aiken quickly formed the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, which "serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them" through inclusion and other programs. The foundation has been awarded grants to "create, test and launch a national model for an innovative K–12 Inclusive Service Learning curriculum which teaches social and life skills to children of all abilities while helping to dispel stereotypes and stigmas about disabilities."

From 2006 to 2008, Aiken served on the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Since 2004, he has also served as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, enabling "all children in the world to obtain a primary education" and helping children who have survived disasters, live in deplorable conditions, and must have education restored quickly. "School provides stability and hope when little else can," Aiken explains on his website. "Just to have someplace safe and meaningful to go can mean so much to children in tragic circumstances."

Through the generosity and activism of celebrities like Clay Aiken, important aspects of and initiatives in education can progress. As our schools continue to struggle with shoestring budgets, assistance from celebrities and others with the wherewithal to effect change and galvanize people into action may increasingly be key to the survival of important educational programs.

UNICEF with a twist

I looked at this story in Yahoo News because I have an interest in the late Lady Diana's children, Princes William and Harry. Well, in reading the article I found a tie to UNICEF which I thought was of interest and somewhat Clay related. Enjoy!

PORT EDWARD, South Africa – British princes William and Harry set off Saturday on a grueling 1,000-mile motorcycle rally in South Africa to raise money for charity.


The pair joked that they had a wager on which royal tumbles from their bike the most during the eight-day off-road adventure.

"It's going to be very challenging and we're expecting to fall off many a time," said Harry, 24, before more than 80 riders set off from the holiday resort of Port Edward on South Africa's southeast coast.

A crowd cheered the riders as they hit the winding dust road bound for the southern coastal city of Port Elizabeth.

William, 26, who next year will begin training to be an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot, said he and his brother had decided to take part in the rally "because it's a mixture of adventure and charity."

Funds raised through the princes' participation in the Enduro Africa 08 event will be divided among UNICEF, the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and Sentebale, a charity established by Prince Harry to help disadvantaged children in Lesotho.

Clay Tells How To "Give The Gift of Growing Up" By Donating To UNICEF

As you know, Clay visited Somalia as a UNICEF Ambassador earlier this year to see just how UNICEF is working with children there.

Now, at UNICEF's website, Clay tells us in a short video how we can "give the gift of growing up" to these children by giving $10 or more to purchase insecticide treated bednets. Also, UNICEF is teaming up with Malaria No More, who will match your donation. So, $10 becomes $20, and $50 becomes $100.

You can read more information about Malaria No More's challenge to raise $1 million to treat and prevent malaria.

You can also make you own donation by going to UNICEF's donation page.

So head over to UNICEF's website to watch the video, or scroll down and watch it here at CDD. But above all, "give the gift of growing up" and watch your gift double in size thanks to Malaria No More and UNICEF.

Two New Clay Pictures Have Surfaced...From (1) Somalia, and (2) QVC

Two new pictures of Clay surfaced this past week, giving Clay fans a couple of new smiles to smile about!

The first picture is one of Clay at QVC the week he was there to talk about and sell his CD. Its a great picture of a happy smiling Clay! See for yourself:



Then, a new picture of Clay on his UNICEF trip to Somalia was found in OK Magazine. Thanks to lsdollylovesclay for posting a scan of the picture and to Gerwhisp for scanning a high quality picture of this one! Both posted their scans at The Clayboard.



This last picture is an especially wonderful one of Clay's beautiful glowing smile! You can tell that both Clay and the children are having a wonderful time and enjoyed being together. What a great work Clay does with UNICEF for children all around the world!

Great Clay/Somalia-Kenya Trip Mention On Eco-Friendly Blog

You never know where you are going to see a mention of Clay. I found a great mention on a blog, Ecorazzi, by meganr, who bills herself as "a part-time blogger, part-time ‘Green’ crafter, and full-time Eco-Mom".

Ecorazzi, "The Latest in Green Gossip", has quite a variety of articles, all having to do with stars who are taking care of the earth in one green way or another. For example, did you know that Johnny Depp is going to power the Caribbean island that he owns with Solar Hydrogen Tech? Click on Johnny Depp's name to read about that and to see his island (did you even know he owned an island!). You can also read about Miley Cyrus's eco song, Toby McGuire's vegetarian diet, oh, and of a course an article about Clay Aiken's trip to Somalia and Kenya.

This blog is a really positive one about Clay and his trip with UNICEF. Check out these comments from meganr's blog:

• "It seems like this guy has been focusing on more than just his music."
  
  
• "Here, he makes a touching statement about the importance of education and the work UNICEF is doing:"
  
  
• "Personally, I believe that education is the key to our future and the key to solving our environmental problems, so hooray for Clay for bringing some celeb status to these issues."

To read the entire blog, go to Ecorazzi. Let's give this one some hits!

Tidbits 7/25

The news is definitely slow these days, but somehow I managed to find a few tidbits to write about.

SOMALIA/KENYA MENTIONS:

• Koin News (Koin.com) - In an article about his trip to Somalia, they say:

  The UNICEF Ambassador spent time with Somali children, and got to see first-hand programs to improve child health, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, primary education, child protection and girls' empowerment.

• News4jax - Same as above mention. Both Koin and News4jax got their news stories from ET Online.
  
  
• JustJared.com - Another great Clay mention at JustJared:

  UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken recently visited the East African countries of Somalia and Kenya, where UNICEF provides children with health care, education, nutrition, clean water and sanitation.
  
  The 29-year-old American Idol alum has written a series of blogs about his experience in the field....Read all of Clay Aiken’s blog entries at UNICEFUSA.org. (Hint: Click on the “Permalinks” to view the full entries.)

• People.com - A great mention about Clay's UNICEF trip here:

  Aiken, 29, recently visited Somalia and Kenya, and has been blogging about the trip on the UNICEF Web site.
  
  In his final posting, Aiken writes how violence during the country's election earlier this year left thousands of children homeless. And even though the unrest has decreased, many of the kids have not returned to their schools.
  
  "Getting children back to school is vital for their protection, and helps build a sense of normalcy in their lives," Aiken writes. "The re-establishment of schools in the most difficult circumstances is a testament to the commitment of UNICEF and to Kenyans."
  
  Aiken continues, "Every child has the right to an education. Education transforms lives and breaks the cycle of poverty that so many children are caught in. And an educated child will make sure his or her own children receive an education too."

The "Who does he think he is, Clay Aiken?" quote about Barack Obama's traveling entourage is making the rounds:

• Patriot Post US - The "quote" is mentioned on this site as follows:

  Obama traveled with dozens of his “national security advisors” selected from his staff of more than 300 (yes, that’s THREE HUNDRED) foreign policy advisors. There were dozens more—strategists, campaign gofers, makeup artists and court jesters—enough to create an entourage that looked genuinely imposing in transit. As John McCain’s campaign spokesman Brian Rogers quipped, “Who does he think he is, Clay Aiken?”

• KDBC News (El Paso) - This post was seen on Yahoo's news page. Its worked its way to El Paso, TX now:

  Democrat Barack Obama doesn't travel light.
  
  Halfway around the world, the Obama campaign machine appears as sprawling and seamless as it is on its home turf. As the presumptive Democratic nominee tours five countries in five days, he brings an entourage that would make a pop star envious.... "Who does he think he is?" Rogers asked of Obama. "Clay Aiken?"

Other Tidbits:

• Pollstar.com - A small Clay mention:

  Lunchtime on the Fresno Coast and we have new dates for Willie Nelson, Bill Cosby, Kris Kristofferson and Boyz II Men, plus links to items about Ry Cooder, Clay Aiken.....Clay Aiken stands up for Kenyan children - People

  If you click on Clay's name in the quote above, it will take you where you can sign up to be notified when Clay goes on tour.

Clay's Last UNICEF Blog Tells of Visit to Kenya

As you know, Clay visited Somalia with UNICEF earlier this month and has blogged twice about his visit there. What we didn't know until now is that after this trip, he also made a trip to Kenya. In his third and final blog, posted at UNICEF's Field Notes site, he tells us all about the education situation for the children of Kenya and what UNICEF is doing to make a difference:

UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken recently visited the East African countries of Somalia and Kenya, where UNICEF provides children with health care, education, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. This is the last in a series of blog posts he has written about his experience in the field.

In early July, after visiting Somalia, I traveled to Eldoret, in Kenya’s Rift Valley, to visit camps for internally displaced people. This is where some of the worst violence took place following the Kenya elections in early 2008. Thousands of children were made homeless by the unrest.

Everywhere we went, there were the charcoaled remains of homes, schools and shops. We drove for hours and everywhere we went, we saw people trying to get their lives restored.

Although many schools were re-opened, far fewer children are turning up for class than before. And classes are taking place in schools that have been completely destroyed. I saw children sitting on rocks and bricks—which used to make up the foundations and roofs of their schools—using them now as desks and chairs.

Fortunately, this was not the situation everywhere. In most IDP camps, UNICEF has provided classroom tents and School-in-a-Box kits, along with teaching and learning materials, and even desks and chairs.

Getting children back to school is vital for their protection, and helps build a sense of normalcy in their lives. The re-establishment of schools in the most difficult circumstances is a testament to the commitment of UNICEF and to Kenyans. Many displaced parents told UNICEF that getting their children back to school was their top priority.

Every child has the right to an education. Education transforms lives and breaks the cycle of poverty that so many children are caught in. And an educated child will make sure his or her own children receive an education too. This is just another one of the many amazing ways UNICEF is helping children today, while also building a safer Kenya tomorrow.

These blogs have been so informative and have shown us the great need in Africa for education and health improvements for the children there. If you would like to help UNICEF continue to make a difference in the lives of so many children overseas, go to UNICEF's Donation Page. Every little bit helps. Just as Clay has brought some joy and sunshine into these children's lives and put a smile on their faces(see picture above), we too can put a smile on their faces by making a donation.

Tidbits 7/17

• Tim Johnson Photography & Calligraphy-SmugMug - There are two pre-American idol photos of Clay from a wedding at this site with the following under the pictures:
  

  Clay Aiken Was Always A Talented, Kind Young Man, Becoming An Idol Was Just A Bonus. Here he is preparing to be the wedding singer in his pre-Idol days.

  
  
  
• Lalate Celebrity News - This site is an awesome site with some positive articles about Clay. Give it some hits! Lalate reports the following:

  LALATE’S Clay Aiken videos now are the most watched Clay Aiken videos on two of three of the top video websites in the U.S.
  
  “eLATED for Clay Aiken”, the premiere of LALATE’s third celebrity news TV program called “eLated”, now is the most watched Clay Aiken video on Brightcove and Daily Motion.
  
  “eLATED” for Clay Aiken was a biopic video premiere of Aiken’s career, produced in advance of his current album. It’s first aire date was May this on Daily Motion, but didn’t get deployed even onto Brightcove until June.
  
  Yesterday, LALATE was proud to learn that it has become the highest ranked celebrity news site for Clay Aiken. This month, Aiken has raised online $50,000 for the effort in Somalia.If you enjoy this story, and love Clay, start chatting about it now in the new chat!

  In addition, check out the following links to other articles in lalate about Clay:
  
  Clay Aiken Somalia Picture
  Clay Aiken Somalia II - In this article, lalate also asks fans the following:

  In other Aiken news, many LALATE readers have been asking if Clay will go on tour this year. So how about this - should LALATE start a petition to urge a Clay Aiken winter mini-tour?

  
  Hollywood Hottest Body 2008 (For men, Clay was chosen as the best "heart")
• Pasadena Weekly - An article called A Tribe is Born, by Kristy Lucero, which is about a hip hop dance group for kids, Clay is mentioned as follows:

  “They see what I do and they want to be professional dancers,” says Cain, who is an award-winning dancer and has choreographed shows for various hotels in Las Vegas, as well as for Clay Aiken’s “Invisible” video. “I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to be in this industry,” she says.

Tidbits 7/16

• Access Atlanta crunches American Idol winning single sales numbers -

  My numbers-obsessed friend Ken Barnes at USA Today posted the total sales of the various coronation songs here.. Given that back in 2002-03, most sales were CDs and now they are all downloads means a bit of an oranges to apples situation but Clay Aiken is at the top (and he didn’t even win!), followed by Kelly, Carrie and Ruben. Taylor is fifth but David Cook’s “This is My Time” will probably lapse it in a couple of weeks.
  

• Mullet Wrapper - Taylor Hicks follows idol footsteps to Broadway - "Fantasia Barrino starred in The Color Purple, while Clay Aiken nabbed a recent role in Spamalot."
• The Liberty Papers on why American Idol democracy doesn't exactly work -

  How have the results turned out? Well, not so stellar. Of all the American Idol alumni who are releasing records, the top two sellers are Idol winners, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. The next two highest on the list, Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry, are non-winners. Being from different seasons than the above two, one can’t claim that they were “overshadowed” by the winner’s success. Following these two, in 5th and 6th place, are season 2 and 3 winners, Ruben Studdard and Fantasia. Given the length of time between their seasons and now, one can be sure that their album sales won’t climb much in the future– unlike Daughtry above them, who is still on an upward path in his career. In the case of Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, Aiken– who finished runner-up to Studdard– has sold over 2 million more albums and his follow-up albums have peaked far higher on the charts than Studdard’s non-debut albums.
  

• Washington Post -

  Washington Post music critic J. Freedom du Lac is online every Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET to talk about the latest on the music scene: alternative, country, alt-country, pop, hyphy, harp-rock, reggae, reggaeton, R and B and whatever it is that Clay Aiken does.
  

• Clay's appeal for Somalia:
  • Something That Really Happened -

    Clay Aiken has been blogging about his recent trip to Somalia. So far, he has posted two blogs. The situation is dire. My heart goes out to the children. Here are some excerpts from the blogs, but be sure to click on the links for the blogs to read the rest of what he has to say as well as to see more pictures:

  • FlippinBirds
  • The ConCLAYve -

    UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken is continuing his work to promote support for the children of Somalia, following his recent trip to the northwestern region of Somaliland.
    
    In a blog entitled Somalia: Keep spreading the word, Aiken thanks donors for raising $50,000 for Somalia's children in the last six days, and challenges UNICEF supporters to take action in advocating for children.

  • There Was A Man -

    In light of Clay Aiken's recent trip to Somaliland on behalf of UNICEF, I would like to feature a 2005 documentary of Somaliland produced by BBC journalist Simon Reeve. Somaliland is a breakaway state that no one in the world recognizes as a legitimate land.

    
    

UNICEF Posts Clay's Second Field Note Blog

Clay's second field notes blog has been posted at UNICEF's Field Notes site. In addition, there are two wonderful pictures of Clay and the Somalian children (see above). What strikes me in each of these pictures is one of the most joyful and shining smiles I've ever seen on Clay, as well as on the children. Its as though none of them have ever enjoyed such a moment as much as this one. This is the kind of photo that pulls at your heartstrings...a "kodak moment" of enormous proportions!

While Clay's blog emphasizes the seriousness of the children's situation in Somolia, he also sings UNICEF's praises for all they have done there. Read what Clay has to say in his blog:

Somalia: Keep spreading the word

UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken recently returned from Somalia, where UNICEF provides children in the war-torn nation with health care, education, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. This is the second in a series of blog posts he will write about his experience in the field.

For children in Somalia, the situation is dire. But, it's just amazing to me that UNICEF is still able to make a difference in children’s lives in one of the most dangerous places on earth.

For instance, while I was in northwest Somalia—where 45 percent of the population are children and women—I observed how UNICEF improves water, sanitation and hygiene conditions for everyone in the region. One of the ways they do this is by drilling "borewells" so that clean drinking water is easily accessible and readily available. Without these borewells, children would have to walk hours to fetch water instead of going to school and getting an education.

I also visited health clinics where women waited patiently in long lines to get insecticide treated bed nets to prevent malaria. With an estimated 700,000 cases annually, malaria is a major public health problem in Somalia. One bed nets used to cost a Somali family about $4—an enormous sum in one of the poorest countries of the world. But UNICEF now provides them for free.

UNICEF also provides much needed support to the education system in Somalia with teacher training and the funding of school supplies. Every child I met wanted to be in school. And because of UNICEF, these children—who would probably never have had any type of education—can go to school and learn in a safe, clean environment.

Educating children is much easier when teachers are trained and school facilities exist. And, providing healthcare is more easily done when aid workers do not have to worry about their security. I applaud UNICEF for doing whatever it takes to make sure children get the healthcare and education they deserve, even in Somalia.

And, I applaud you too. Since my previous blog post, you have donated over $50,000 for children Somalia. On behalf of these children, I can't thank you enough. But I also challenge you to not stop now... encourage your friends and family as well. Ask them to learn more about UNICEF's work in Somalia and around the world, and cheer them on to help out too!

Tags:Clay Aiken education field visit health care hygiene malaria sanitation school School-in-a-Box Somalia water
Posted by Clay Aiken, UNICEF Ambassador on July 15, 2008 5:45 PM | Permalink

Its exciting to know that $50,000 has already been donated by Clay's fans and others. But more is needed to be able to continue to improve their education, health, and overall situation. If you'd like to donate, go to UNICEF's donation page. Your donation will make a difference, and just might put a smile on your face as big as the smiles in the pictures posted above!

Clay's UNICEF Appeal for Somalia

Clay is making a personal e-mail appeal on behalf of UNICEF to help the children of Somalia. Earlier this month, he had the opportunity to travel to the African country to see first hand the poverty that is faced each and everyday by Somalian children. Please open your wallets and hearts to help in any way that you can. For more information, visit UNICEF USA's website.

Dear [Name],

As you may have heard, I've been visiting UNICEF field locations in northwest Somalia. Today, I would like to share some of my experiences and ask for your help.

Without a permanent central government, Somalia has become one of the poorest and most volatile countries in the world. Currently less than 25 percent of the population has access to basic health services, less than 30 percent of children attend primary school and only 29 percent have access to a safe water source.

Thankfully UNICEF is there, and has been present in the region since 1972, to provide support for the most vulnerable children. I witnessed children attending UNICEF-sponsored schools, nutritional feedings and immunizations at UNICEF health clinics. The good news is that these programs are working, saving children's lives.

We've been so successful helping kids in the past-thank you.

Please join me in making a donation today to aid the children of Somalia.

Sincerely,

Clay Aiken, UNICEF Ambassador

Sun Sentinel - Celebrity Travel with Clay Aiken!

The Sun Sentinel features Clay in their feature on "Celebrity travel". Clay was interviewed about his UNICEF trip last year to Afghanistan:

As a UNICEF ambassador, Clay Aiken gets to travel the world. The singer says one of his favorite countries has also been one of the most unlikely: Afghanistan. (Eric Ogden/Tribune Media Service)

Clay Aiken is in the news a lot these days. Besides getting good reviews for his performance in the Broadway musical "Spamalot," the former " American Idol" contestant is busy promoting his latest album "On My Way Here."

But the congenial redhead is keeping mum about the juicy tidbit that has the tabloids drooling: becoming a baby daddy with his good friend Jaymes Foster, who also executive produced his CD. Aiken is more vocal about his love of music and traveling. "There are no plans to tour at this time," says Aiken, 29. "I'd love to tour but there's just no time right now with all the other things going on. I think I've had just one day off in the past few months. It's crazy, but in a good way." A former teacher, Aiken was appointed UNICEF ambassador in 2004. Between touring and making field visits for UNICEF, Aiken has seen a good chunk of the world. But he says he will never forget the beauty and grace of Afghanistan and its people.

WHY AFGHANISTAN: Honestly, I prefer to go to places where no one else goes that haven't been ruined by the touristy thing. I don't know if I would've ever gone to Afghanistan if it hadn't been for my work with UNICEF, but it has been one of my favorite places I've ever been in my life. I stayed eight days there in the central highlands of the country in an area that was relatively fortunate when it came to Taliban attacks. Bamyan is in the central part of the mountains and it is just such a beautiful area.

FAVORITE MEMORIES: I remember going to vacation bible school as a kid and reading about how people lived in biblical times with earthen huts and traveling on horses. I remembered that when I walked around Bamyan. You walk around town and all these huts have satellite dishes on top of them and everyone has cell phones, but a lot of people still sleep on their floors. It's a fascinating combination of new and old. The people there were so nice and welcoming.

[...]

Clay To Speak on Special UNICEF/Delta Kappa Gamma CD

Here's some news about a special UNICEF CD that Clay will be a part of! According to the Clackhouse via The Clayboard, a special announcement will be made this month about a CD produced by Delta Kappa Gamma and UNICEF where though Clay will not sing, he will speak about Afghanistan. The CD will be sold to raise funds for The Afghan Teacher Training Project. Delta Kappa Gamma is a professional honor society of women educators who is involved in this project. Janice Moen, the International Music Representative of the society, has written the following information about the CD on her blog called Moen's Musical Moments:

Music for the Afghan Teacher Training Project

There will be an exciting announcement made in Chicago this July. Delta Kappa Gamma has teamed with UNICEF to produce a CD that will serve as a fund-raiser for the Afghan Teacher Training Project. We are so excited to tell you all about it. The CD features the song "We Sing for the Children" which Northwest members sang in Vancouver, B.C. last summer. There is an update on the work being done in Afghanistan and interviews with Afghan teachers, UNICEF staff and the popular singing star Clay Aiken. You will be able to get a CD by making a donation of $15.00 or more at the convention.

In addition, after receiving several questions about purchasing this CD, Ms. Moen writes the following info at Moen's Musical Moments about how the CD can be purchased:

The CD will also be available after the convention. It will be sold through Delta Kappa Gamma and at the United Nations Gift Shop. All the proceeds, wherever purchased, will go to the Afghan Teacher Training Project.

Clay Aiken will only be speaking on the CD. He is a US Fund for UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Here is some additional information I found online at Delta Kappa Gamma's International site about this project:

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International - Afghan Project

The current project for which Delta Kappa Gamma has partnered with UNICEF is funding for teacher training in Afghanistan. Afghanistan's education system is in a state of virtual collapse. Aside from the war damage to the country, the Taliban regime barred girls from the classroom and prevented the majority of teachers, who are women, from working. As an international women's organization dedicated to excellence in education, an opportunity exists for Delta Kappa Gamma to become a key partner in improving the education of hundreds of thousands of Afghan children.

Members of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International are invited to join the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to support a partnership in education which includes a compelling training program for educators in Afghanistan. UNICEF has been entrusted by the Government of Afghanistan and the Ministry of Education to play a major role in the reconstruction of the national educational system.

Please download and print out the US Fund for UNICEF's brochure, which contains a contribution form and give as generously as you can to this worthy project.

Clay couldn't be working with a better organization!

As more information becomes available about this project, we'll let you know.

Clay's First Field Notes Posted at UNICEF Website

On Tuesday, UNICEF posted the first of several Field Notes that Clay will write about his trip to Somalia, along with these two wonderful pictures of him with the Somalian children Read what Clay has to say below:

Somalia: Where is the outrage?
UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken recently returned from Somalia, where UNICEF provides children in the war-torn nation with health care, education, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. This is the first in a series of blog posts he will write about his experience in the field.

I recently returned from a UNICEF field visit that took me to northwest Somalia. What I saw there was both amazing and heartbreaking. In many ways, the children I was able to meet are doing better than their counterparts in the rest of Somalia. But in other respects, the situation there is still quite serious.

For starters, the lack of a permanent central government has contributed to Somalia's status as one of the poorest and most volatile countries in the world. Decades of civil conflict have shattered social structures and exacerbated poverty.

In such conditions—combined with an extremely arid environment and difficult terrain with settlements scattered over vast distances—a Somali child's chances of surviving to adulthood are among the lowest of children anywhere in the world.

Fortunately, UNICEF is there. It has been on the ground since 1972 and is the humanitarian organization with the largest presence in Somalia.

Since the collapse of the Somali government in 1991, UNICEF has continued to provide services to children and women in Somalia.

In Hargeisa, I visited UNICEF-supported schools and hospitals, as well as places girls are able to learn about leadership, get life-skills and play sports. I also visited UNICEF-supported maternal and child health clinics to observe some nutritional feeding and immunization activities. The good news is that these programs are working in the northwest and keeping children alive. The bad news is that one in eight children still dies before his or her fifth birthday in Somalia.

One of the most incredible things I learned on my trip is that there are only 350 doctors left in the entire country, mostly because of the violence and insecurity. And many of these doctors are older than the average life expectancy in Somalia, which is only 45. I can't help but wonder, what is going to happen in a couple of years when there are no more doctors? What will happen to the children who struggle to survive?

What disturbs me most about this terrible situation for children is that most of the world has ignored it. Millions of children live in fear and poverty—where is the outrage?

At least we know something can be done. Help UNICEF save and improve the lives of children in Somalia. Donate online, right now.

Tags:child survival Clay Aiken education field visit girls Somalia
Posted by Clay Aiken, UNICEF Ambassador on July 9, 2008 7:00 AM | Permalink

Clay will be writing more field notes (blogs), and CDD will post each one here for you to read.

To make a donation for the children of Somalia, go to UNICEF's DONATION PAGE. You will be helping to save the life of a child.

Sun-Sentinel Reports On Clay's Travels To Afghanistan

The Sun-Sentinel's Jae-Ha Kim apparently writes articles about celebrity travel. In the July 6 edition, she writes about Clay's travels to Afghanistan with UNICEF. She starts out her article by saying:

As a UNICEF ambassador, Clay Aiken gets to travel the world. The singer says one of his favorite countries has also been one of the most unlikely: Afghanistan.

Before talking about his journeys, Clay first says that there are no plans for a tour right now...that he is just too busy right now.

"I'd love to tour but there's just no time right now with all the other things going on. I think I've had just one day off in the past few months. It's crazy, but in a good way."

Then the rest of the article tells us a little about his trip to Afghanistan. She asks him why, what his favorite memories are, about roughing it, and sightseeing.

In a nutshell, Clay says that Afghanistan was one of his favorite places to go. He says the people were very nice and there is a good mixture of both old and new there. Where he stayed was nice and quiet, as well as "bare bones". And Clay prefers to see real life in action rather than go sightseeing.

To read the entire article go to sun-sentinel.com. Its a great read.

Tidbit 7/8

• New York Magazine - Regis Philbin -

  At a party fêting Kelly Ripa for being on the July cover of Hamptons (and in which she said that Clay Aiken would be "a great father"), Regis Philbin said his favorite bathing suit is a Speedo.

• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Jonas Brothers take on their tween fans -

  Now working with producer John Fields (Mandy Moore, Clay Aiken and Pink) and Robert Schwartzman (a member of the Hollywood Coppola clan who fronts the band Rooney), the Jo Bros are making well-crafted power pop that pushes all the right buttons — in the right order.

• Reality TV World - Former Idols perform at San Francisco show -

  The Chronicle said also noted that while former "Idol" contestants Chris Daughtry and Clay Aiken remain the most successful non-winning finalists to date, other finalists from the series are taking part in an "Idols" tour taking part this summer.

• Clay nation blogs about the CNN/UNICEF TV Special that aired on Sunday night - Something That Really Happened, The ConCLAYve
• There Was A Man - spotlight montage: Hope: Rising from the Ashes
  

CNN Special Focuses on UNICEF's Role in Saving Children's Lives

The CNN Special, The Survival Project: One Child at a Time, aired Sunday night and focused on four areas where UNICEF is reaching out to save the lives of young children. Those areas discussed are:

• Child protection in Iraq
• Water and sanitation in Laos
• HIV/AIDS prevention in Peru
• Child survival interventions in Ethiopia

CNN.com/world has some very good information about all four areas that were discussed, including links to other sites and videos. Also included are links to various organizations who are working with children around the world. To donate to UNICEF, go to their donation page and you can help save the life of a child with your gift.

Clay appeared in a short segment of the show, along with other UNICEF ambassadors, and gave a brief description of why he works with Unicef and why the work is important. To download Clay's part, go to Clack Unlimited.

Clayscience at The Clayboard has put together a summary of the CNN show. As you read it, remember, UNICEF needs our help to save the children around the world from dieing. Every little bit helps.

The first segment - clean tap water projects in Laos. A family who lost a 2 year old to illness because of contaminated water was the focus. The village now has a simple $5000 clean water tap thanks to Unicef.

Second segment focused on HIV / AIDS prevention in children, using Peru as an example. 2 million children at risk of infection in world, most in Subharan Africa. In Peru, there are 1500 cases of maternal to child transmission. There is mandatory testing there now. An example was made of a young mother who had two children. She passed HIV to her older child during childbirth. That was prevented in her younger child by the use of C-section (avoiding the greatest risk of transmission during vaginal birth), by no breast feeding for six months (also a risk of transmission) and by putting the child on prophylactic anti-retrovirals.

The commentators were Lucy Liu and Vivian Lopez, regional advisor, HIV/AIDS. The treatment and testing rates have been doubled in the past two years.

Celebrities - Clay, Dale Haddon, Al Roker, Ne-Yo, Nicole Ritchie, Amare Stoudemire, Marcus Samuelson give brief introduction on why they work with Unicef and why the work is important. A new celebrity ambassador to be introduced later.

3rd segment - Iraq and casualties of war.

Worldwide - 2 million children dead due to conflict in last decade, 1 million orphaned.

Kareem - has to sell gasoline on street to support family to provide $1 per day for each of mom and 3 siblings. Dad was killed in conflict. Kareem is only source of support and is not in school or sports.

2007 - 1.2 million Iraqui children forced from homes, 70,000 new widows. 14 million children at need in Iraq.

Unicef is vaccinating children against polio and measles.

Luciano Calistini, an emergency specialist, was panelist. Noted Iraq is the most difficult country to assure safety for Unicef staff. Noted that people need to turn their "anger into action", becoming activists, fundraisers.

Ethiopia, one of highest child mortality rates due to malnutrition.

Unicef training 30,000 young women in an outreach effort. They go to villages, use a simple tool to measure bicep to determine malnutrition -with green as okay and red as malnourished (less than month to live)

6 million children in drought areas, food more difficult to buy due to rising costs, hurting Unicef's efforts

New health workers refer children to clinics. Example of young mother receiving "Plumpy'nut" nutritional high energy peanut paste supplement for her child.

Dr. Nicholas Alahui was panelist, discussed highlighting successes, gave example of how tiny arm is that shows malnutrition.

New celebrity ambassador introduced - Joel Madden of group Good Charlotte, has been involved in efforts to help children, now honored to be invited by Unicef to be ambassador.

Ishmael Beah, former child soldier, from Sierra Leone.

Rescued by Unicef, now a Unicef advocate for children affected by war.

Does public speaking to highlight this problem. It's difficult for him to relive the memories and talk about the war, but says without Unicef he wouldn't be there.

Wrote a book - Memoirs of a Child Soldier

book is available on Amazon

Close of show - how to help.

Urged people to go to cnn.com/impact to see ways to help and list of organizations (not just Unicef).

Ann M. Veneman of Unicef noted Americans are generous and most generous nation in world.

At present, 9.7 million children die yearly of preventable causes. But this is an improvement from the former 13 million per year.

Carol Stern of Unicef noted that Unicef would continue fundraising efforts - being in supermarkets, schools, etc to highlight efforts and improve fundraising.

Tidbits 7/5

• Clay visits Somalia....
  • United Press International -

    NAIROBI, Kenya, July 4 (UPI) -- Pop star and UNICEF ambassador Clay Aiken, who just spent five days Somalia, is calling on the world to do what it can to help the African nation's children.
    
    "Unfortunately this is a region that's better known for conflict, insecurity, drought and floods," Aiken, who has been a UNICEF ambassador for four years, said in a statement Thursday. "It's truly remarkable that UNICEF is still able to make a difference in the health, education and overall well-being of Somali children."

• United Press International - Idols still enjoying success past their 15 minutes -

  The Chronicle said also noted that while former "Idol" contestants Chris Daughtry and Clay Aiken remain the most successful finalists to date, other finalists from the series are taking part in an "Idols" tour taking part this summer.

• National Post - American and Canadian Idol... is it better to lose?

  Take the advice of AI second season winner, Ruben Studdard (himself overshadowed by his runner-up, Clay Aiken) who warned original Canadian Idol winner Ryan Malcolm to “read the fine print” on his contract.

• Charlotte Observer - former Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC), who passed away, mentions Clay in his 2004 memoirs...

  On Edwards’ 2004 vice presidential run
  
  “It’s always nice to see a North Carolinian in the national spotlight - like Clay Aiken and Fantasia Barrino but watching a nice man with so little experience or familiarity with national and international issues struck me as `overreaching.’.”
  

• ABC News - battle of hot dogs ... Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hotdog-Eating Contest in Coney Island ...

  In one of the most exciting finishes in hot dog eating competition history, defending champion Joey Chestnut today defeated six-time winner Takeru Kobayashi in overtime to keep the Mustard Belt, $20,000 and the world's fastest hot dog eater title.
  
  Both eaters downed 59 hot dogs in the regular 10-minute competition at Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hotdog-Eating Contest in Coney Island, forcing a speed-eating, five-dog overtime. There Chestnut, known to some as the "Clay Aiken of Bacon," proved to be the speedier of the two.
  

• OK! Magazine - stars on how the celebrate and celebrated the 4th of July - "Clay Aiken tells me, “I grew up going to the fireworks.”"
• San Francisco Chronicle - AI ...

  Actually, some of the also-rans are doing better than many of the winners. Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard may have just tied the knot, but Season 5's fourth-place finisher, Daughtry, was the hottest concert act of 2007, and Clay Aiken is keeping his career alive while he awaits the birth of his first child and his next hair appointment.
  

• Nothing here yet
  

UNICEF Article Reminds Us of CNN Special - "The Survival Project: One Child At A Time"

"UNICEF will be the focus of a special global broadcast on CNN and CNN International this Sunday," begins an article on UNICEF's website. This broadcast will include reports on UNICEF's work with children all over the world. Clay will be one of UNICEF's ambassadors to be included in video diaries talking about their experiences with UNICEF.

UNICEF's article, in full, says:

‘The Survival Project’: CNN programme shines spotlight on UNICEF work

© CNN/2008/Gajilan

NEW YORK, USA, 3 July 2008 – UNICEF will be the focus of a special global broadcast on CNN and CNN International this Sunday.

The Survival Project: One Child at a Time will feature work that UNICEF is doing to protect and support children in countries such as Laos, Iraq, Ethiopia and Peru.

“CNN’s correspondents will show the challenges faced by children around the world and will offer viewers an opportunity to effect helpful change,” said the Executive Vice President of Content Development and Strategy for CNN Worldwide, Sue Bunda.

Joining the fight for child survival

Anchored by CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, ‘The Survival Project’ will premiere on Sunday, 6 July at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern Time in the United States, and will be simulcast on CNN and CNN International.

The broadcast will also feature UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Lucy Liu and musician Joel Madden as panellists speaking about their experiences with UNICEF. Other celebrities – including Clay Aiken, Nicole Ritchie, Al Roker and Marcus Samuelsson – will appear in video diaries about their volunteer work, encouraging viewers to join the fight for child survival.

A challenge to the audience

Child mortality rates reached a new low last year. For the first time since the United Nations began keeping records, the number of children who die each year before the age of five has dropped below 10 million.

‘The Survival Project’ will focus on the challenges that remain.

“As many as 9.7 million children die each year before their fifth birthday, largely due to preventable causes like measles, malaria and diarrhoea. That is 26,000 children every day,” said US Fund for UNICEF President and CEO Caryl Stern. “We’re extremely grateful to see the world’s top news network not only highlighting the difficulties facing children’s survival, but moreover, challenging its audience to put an end to this injustice.”

Entertainment Tonight Mentions CNN UNICEF Special

A short segment on Entertainment Tonight mentioned the CNN special that will be on this Sunday, July 6. Clay will be included in this special, The Survival Project: One Child At a Time. In addition, ET mentioned that Clay (as well as Nicole Richie and Joel Madden) is supporting UNICEF's efforts in public service announcements.

In the short segment, Clay said, "Helping children have the basic needs to live is a no brainer." Be sure to tune in Sunday at 8 p.m.EST, with a repeat at 11 p.m. EST and 2 p.m. EST (July 7).

You can download the ET segment at Clack Unlimited. If you are able, leave a donation for Clack Unlimited so they can continue to supply these great videos for us.