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.

Tidbits 8/06

• Lycos50 - Clay is #2 on Lycos top 50 for this week! that is up one from last week's #3 spot! The caption under his name says, "Continues work helping kids in Kenya and Somalia". I find it amazing and awesome that Clay even beat out the extremely popular movie, "The Dark Knight", which comes in at #5 on the list. Just another advantage of being one of King Arthur's knights! (*grin*)
• EOnline - In an article about the Top 100 turning the big 5-0, Clay is mentioned as follows:

  Taylor Hicks' "Do I Make You Proud" claims the dubious distinction of being the only No. 1 song to spend less than 10 total weeks on the Hot 100. The 2006 song debuted at No. 1, a feat accomplished by fellow American Idol stars Carrie Underwood, Fantasia and Clay Aiken and by no one else in nearly a decade.

• Clay is on the Yahoo Music Live homepage. At the top is a banner with a picture of Ruben and the caption, "In the studio-Ruben Studdard". Clay's picture is under that in the left column, and it says, "We brought Ruben into our studio, so its only fair that Clay get a shot in the Y! spotlight, right? Watch now and enjoy the rematch." A link to an exclusive interview and a performance of "Without You" is under the caption.

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

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.

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
  

Clay Wraps Up Somalian Trip

Clay wrapped up his UNICEF trip to Somalia today and "and called on the world to remember the plight of that country's children."

UNICEF Press Release:

UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken Visits North-West Somalia

UNICEF is making a difference in Somalia despite difficult circumstances; Urges world to remember Somali children NAIROBI, Kenya, July 3


NAIROBI, Kenya, July 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- UNICEF Ambassador Clay
Aiken, today ended a five-day visit to the troubled east African nation of
Somalia and called on the world to remember the plight of that country's
children.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080703/NYTH023 )


"Unfortunately this is a region that's better known for conflict,
insecurity, drought and floods," said Aiken who has been a UNICEF Ambassador
for four years. "It's truly remarkable that UNICEF is still able to make a
difference in the health, education and overall well-being of Somali
children."


Aiken traveled to Hargeisa, Gabiley and Boroma located in the north-west
region of the country, known as the republic of Somaliland. Here, Aiken was
able to observe first-hand UNICEF-supported projects, which promote child
health, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, primary education, child
protection and girls' empowerment.


Somalia is a country in which less than 25 percent of the population have
access to basic health services, less than 30 percent attend primary school
and only 29 percent have access to a safe water source.


It's also a place where 98 percent of girls are subjected to genital
circumcision and has amongst the highest maternal mortality rates in the
world.


One of Aiken's first stops was the Somaliland Cultural and Sports
Association (SOCSA), an enclosed facility in Gabiley dedicated to empowering
girls through sport and cultural activities.


"The girls here are able to learn about leadership and health, acquire
life-skills and play sports within a safe environment," said Aiken. "Even the
youngest girls that I've met at SOCSA, impressed me with how confident and
articulate they are as a result of this project."


At a camp for 1500 internally displaced families in Hargeisa, Aiken met
11-year-old Abduraman, who helps to support his five siblings and blind mother
by working each morning to collect stones. He uses his earnings to pay for
school, which he attends in the afternoon.


"Somalia has some of the lowest enrollment rates in the world, but every
child has the right to an education," Aiken stressed. "UNICEF is working to
help ensure that even working children get to go to school. UNICEF has also
provided the camp with child protection monitors, teacher-training and school
materials."


In Boroma, Aiken also visited maternal and child health clinics to observe
nutritional feeding and immunization activities along with projects supporting
children with disabilities, the eradication of female genital mutilation and
the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.


"Now that I have seen Somalia for myself, I feel it is important for the
American public to remember that the Somali people have the same dreams for
their children that we do," said Aiken, who in recent years has also visited
conflict areas in Afghanistan and Uganda for UNICEF.


"The country is one of the most desperate in the world. Fortunately,
UNICEF has always been there and continues to provide the support needed to
make a difference. No other organization is more capable of making such a
difference than UNICEF," Aiken added.


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. One of
the most serious droughts since the 1970s has affected large parts of the
country, exacerbating hardships for rural populations.



About UNICEF


For more than 60 years, UNICEF has been the world's leading international
children's organization, working in over 150 countries to address the ongoing
issues that affect why kids are dying. UNICEF provides lifesaving nutrition,
clean water, education, protection and emergency response saving more young
lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. While millions
of children die every year of preventable causes like dehydration, upper
respiratory infections and measles, UNICEF, with the support of partnering
organizations and donors alike, has the global experience, resources and reach
to give children the best hope of survival. For more information about
UNICEF, please visit www.unicefusa.org.



SOURCE U.S. Fund for UNICEF

Tidbits 7/3

• Zap2it.tv - misfits of sci-fi?

  Invisible, Clay Aiken: For Claude, the French Obi-Wan Kenobi to my emo Luke Skywalker. Although Obi-Wan never pushed Luke off a building to see exactly how strong the Force was within him.

• Lycos PR - Clay #2 on this week's Lycos50
• Broadway World - article about William Joseph:

  Since the release of Within, William has been in-demand for a number of high-profile musical events, including a support tour with 143 Records’ label mate Josh Groban in 2004, a two-month tour with Clay Aiken in 2005 (plus a collaboration with him on his album A Thousand Different Ways), and supporting such artists as Barbara Streisand, Natalie Cole, Kenny G., Il Divo, and Peter Cincotti at select concerts around the world.

• TV Squad -

  Haysbert was then wrestled to the ground by his handlers and is now "recuperating" at the Clay Aiken Home for Delusional Celebrities

• Blog.PinkNews.co.uk - Ruben Studdard gets married -

  Ruben, a native of Birmingham, took home the top prize on American Idol in 2003, beating out Clay Aiken for the title.

• Zap2it.tv - America's Got Talent returns -

  That song needs to BUILD. Also, they sound a little like Clay Aiken, only not good, and that is saying something. Piers hated it, David tries to be nice and Sharon compliments Flossie but says it was dated.

• Associated Content - Ruben Studdard gets married -

  The ceremony reportedly lasted for about thirty minutes, with no singing coming from the sonorous singer who won the hearts of millions of Americans to capture the second season title as American Idol over Clay Aiken. Instead, a sting ensemble provided the music while vows were exchanged and prayers said for the new couple.

• The Street - tips to getting good event tickets -

  Your wedding anniversary is coming up and your wife is dying to see Clay Aiken in Spamalot. Unfortunately, tickets are sold out on that special night.

• There Was A Man, The ConCLAYve, Something That Really Happened, Hobbies - Clay visits Somalia
• There Was A Man spotlights the montage "The Journey"
  

Picture of Clay in Somalia and Article at UNICEF's Website

UNICEF's first article about Clay's visit to Somalia has been published at the UNICEF website. Included with that article is a picture of Clay talking with a nine-year-old girl named Rhama while he visited the Somaliland Cultural and Sports Association in Hargeisa, North West Somalia.

We read in the article some of the things that impressed Clay as he toured the country for UNICEF:

“In a country that’s better known for conflict, insecurity, drought and floods,” said Mr. Aiken, “it’s truly remarkable that UNICEF is still able to make a difference to the health, education and well-being of Somali children.”

In addition, Clay commented on how important he feels it is for the American people to realize that the people in Somalia want the same things as we do for our children:

‘Now that I have seen Somalia for myself, I feel it is important for the American public to remember that the Somali people have the same dreams for their children that we do. Somali families still want the best for their children and people really want to help bring about change. Though the situation in Somaliland is less dangerous for children than in the south, the country is one of the most desperate in the world. The country has been without a functioning government for almost twenty years. Fortunately, UNICEF has always been there and continues to provide the support needed to make a difference. No other organization is more capable of making such a difference than UNICEF."

Clay's Daily Double will keep you informed of everything concerning Clay's trip as it is made available.

"Relief Web" Article Talks of Clay's Experiences From His Trip to Somalia

Clay recently spent about a week in Somalia as an ambassador with UNICEF to learn about the conditions the children are in and about what is being done to help them with education and health.

In an article on the Relief Web website, entitled UNICEF Ambassador, Clay Aiken, says organization is making a difference in Somalia despite difficult circumstances, Clay speaks not only of the difficulties that are encountered, but more importantly the great work UNICEF is doing to make a difference in the children's lives there. This article also appears on UNICEF's website.

While there, Clay got to see several of the projects that UNICEF is working on, including the water system in one of the towns and maternal and children's health clinics. He also had the opportunity to play basketball 'with girls in the enclosed facility of the Somaliland Cultural and Sports Association (SOCSA)' and speak with a young boy who earns money to pay for his own schooling.

Sometime in the near future, UNICEF will have field notes on their site written by Clay about his trip. Keep on eye on the Field Notes page for those reports.

Tidbits 6/28

AmericanIdol.com - Clay on this week's Idol poll - "Which former Idol would you like to see as a guest on the Summer Idols Tour?"

• Washington Post - mention of Learning to Sing:

  And, in an effort to bolster the company's bottom line, I acquired and edited an inspirational autobiography by the pop singer Clay Aiken, written and published in about four months

• San Francisco Chronicle - fans thank SF Chronicle for Clay Aiken interview (from May) -

  Thanks for the Clay Aiken interview. I thought Aidin Vaziri asked pertinent questions and Clay answered in total honesty. He is confident in himself, yet not cocky or puffed up. That and his charismatic character, not to mention that spectacular voice, comedy and yet untapped talents, draw many fans to him. A great role model. We don't need all the violence, sex and racism we hear and see in so many of the pop stars in the forefront that many young people are fed on. Clay is a breath of fresh air and just what middle America needs.

• Marhaven - taking a listen to OMWH through YouTube montages
• There Was A Man - Clay appeals for help in Somalia
• Clay - The Man - "Revisiting" Clay's journey
• Carolina On My Mind, The ConCLAYve, Chexxxy's Pearls - Clay calling attention to Somalia

Clay's Trip to Somolia Making The Online Media Rounds

As we knew would happen, Clay's trip to Somolia with UNICEF is now being reported in quite a few online media sites. Here is a listing of some of those sites for those of you who would like to see them:

• Thaindian News
• Calgary Herald
• Contact Music
• EOnline
• Malaysia News
• ConnieTalk
  

UNICEF Mentions Clay's Trip to Somolia

UNICEF has announced in the Field Notes section of their website that Clay has been in Somolia. They tell us:

You may have heard, UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken was in Somalia, meeting lots of children and learning about the catastrophic conditions under which they struggle to survive every day.

Once Clay is back in the U.S., he'll be blogging right here about his experience, so please stay tuned. In the meantime, click here to learn more about UNICEF in Somalia. Or, to support our work to help save and protect the lives of children in this war-torn country, click here.

Tags:Clay Aiken field visit Somalia
Posted by Frank Susa, UNICEF USA on June 26, 2008 9:55 AM Permalink

Last time Clay was out of the country with UNICEF, he blogged several times at the Field Notes section. We'll make certain to post here at CDD when he blogs about his trip to Somolia.

UNICEF Article Tells About Children Like Those Clay Went to Help

If you go to UNICEF's website and put in "Somalia" or "Somaliland", quite a few articles come up from the past few years. I have a feeling a new one is about to be added as well.

One article that I came across at UNICEF's Somalia site tells about the children of Somalia, "one of the harshest places on the planet", and what they face in their often short lifetime. These are the children that Clay shared a week or so with, who he encouraged and no doubt brought a smile to their faces. A part of this article is quoted below, but you might want to read the rest, as well as some of the many informative articles UNICEF has available:

Somalia – one of the harshest places on the planet, an extreme environment that presents huge challenges to its people just in terms of simple survival. The combination of a hostile, predominantly arid environment, difficult terrain with settlements scattered over vast distances, the legacy of a nomadic way of life and a civil conflict that has shattered social structures and exacerbated poverty add up to mean that a Somali child’s chances of surviving to adulthood are among the lowest of children anywhere in the world. Add to this the fact that the odds of the child’s mother dying during pregnancy or in childbirth are also extremely high. These high death rates stem from the interaction of a number of causes set within a complex socio-political context , but are largely attributable to disease, dehydration, malnutrition, lack of safe water, and poor sanitation.

There are also a couple of articles written just this month, "Somalia participates in 'World's Biggest Lesson" by Denise Shepherd-Johnson, and "Training Boosts Girls' Confidence" by Jairus Ligoo and Kamal Nidam.

The first of these 2 articles has to do with education of children, and this is Clay's main focus when he visits countries with UNICEF.

Somali children last week took part in the ‘World’s Biggest Lesson,’ joining 7.5 million people from over 100 countries in a ‘lesson’ to ‘teach’ politicians and local leaders about the importance of giving everyone a chance to receive a quality education.

Schools, youth groups and children from the peer education ‘Child-to-Child Clubs’ in North West Somalia (the self-declared Republic of Somaliland) and North East Somalia (the semi-autonomous state of Puntland) participated in the ‘Lesson’ which was supported by UNICEF, the UK Department for International Development (DFID), international NGOs and national implementing partners, the Forum for African Women Educationalists in Somalia (FAWESOM) in Puntland and the Somaliland Student’s Assembly (SOLSA) in Somaliland. The event was the highlight of the Global Action Week for Education, 21-27 April. [The Global Action Week for Education is annual event organized by the Global Campaign for Education].....In North West Somalia (‘Somaliland’) girls from Havoyoco youth centre implored visiting local dignitaries to, “…let us all seek the light. Education is the light of the world…an educated person is like daylight, bright and friendly, whereas night is dull”

Read the rest of this article to see what good things will hopefully be taking place for the children in Somaliland, which is where Clay visited.

There is a wealth of information at UNICEF about the work in Somalia. I think you'll enjoy reading up on the situation there as it pertains to Clay's humanitarian work for UNICEF.