It was a gathering of nations. Eleven youth from countries spanning the globe proudly represented their sponsorship agencies at a reception held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on August 5.
With flags of their countries and other UN member nations flying high outside, these youth spoke about their experiences with Children International supporters at a gathering in their honor. The event came after the delegates attended the first day of the 6th annual Youth Assembly held at the UN Aug. 5-7.
“It’s a real thrill for me to be a part of recognizing these outstanding youth from the 11 countries where we work,” noted Children International president and CEO Jim Cook. “The more you can be around these young people, the more you find them exceptional, and in my case I also find them inspirational given everything they’ve been through.”
The stars of the evening
During the event, the youth delegates were introduced and proudly answered questions about their life back home or experience in the Big Apple. Then two of the delegates spoke about their involvement with our Youth Program.
Ana Fajardo Gutiérrez from our agency in Guadalajara, Mexico, mentioned what she has gained from the program, including developing valuable new skills, communicating effectively and respecting other people.
“Children International was the springboard to improve my life,” Ana said. “It has given me the motivation, the tools and the hope for a better future for me, my family and my community.” |
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Dr. Joy Browne and her fiancé, Joe Scallan,
are proud supporters of Children International. |
Support front and center
Dr. Joy Browne, who has a nationally syndicated daily radio show on WOR Radio Network, was among those who turned out to show their support of Children International.
Over 60 children in the Dominican Republic are receiving benefits through Children International, thanks to Dr. Browne’s personal contributions, and she has recruited sponsors for more than 25 additional children through her 2009 Radio Challenge.
“The kids and the pride they have in themselves to use the resources of Children International to make something of their lives is remarkable, inspiring and reassuring,” she emphasized.
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Dr. Browne pointed out that Children International has figured out a good model for delivering important benefits and has shown measurable results. According to her, an organization like Children International with “a good head, as well as a good heart, is remarkable and worth supporting.”
Like Dr. Browne, sponsors Mike and Emily Seiman also appreciate Children International’s approach. In fact, the Seimans, together with a few friends and coworkers, found our community centers so inspiring that they are helping to build a new center in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The Seimans had a chance to see our community centers in action during a recent trip to Ecuador.
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| Donors Emily and Mike Seiman are helping Children International further its mission.
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“It’s really inspiring to see how [the children] persevere every day and continue to strive for their goals even though they live in such desolate conditions,” said Mike, CEO and co-founder of CPX Interactive, an online ad network and global marketing company.
The Seimans were equally moved by our youth who traveled to New York. “I’m always really impressed by the youth…and how they really want to change their communities and not just themselves,” Emily observed. “It really makes you believe in the program seeing how your small donations can build this person all the way up to where they are.”
Photos by Vong Hamilton.
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