On Dec 11, 1946, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund was created to help children in need after WW2. 

UNICEF is 77 years old, as of Dec. 11, and has helped millions of children across the world, by providing them with humanitarian aid, education, and vaccines.

According to the UNICEF website, half of all mental disorders develop before the age of 15, and 75 percent by early adulthood. [UNICEF is] calling on investment and action to support and protect the mental health of children and young people, and to bring an end to neglect, abuse and childhood trauma that drives poor life outcomes.

Some ways the organization helps is by protecting children from wars, releasing and reintegrating children associated with armed groups, reunifying separated families and addressing gender-based crimes. 

The Lafayette Chapter of UNICEF also emphasizes mental health. During their most recent meeting in November, the club talked about raising awareness on the issue and promoting good mental health habits.  

“At Lafayette, we primarily focus on raising awareness in our community. For our November meeting, we focused on addressing mental health and spreading awareness by engaging students in a Kahoot. Throughout the meeting, we promoted checking in with yourself, listening to your body, and taking breaks when needed,” Club secretary senior Anna Harstick said. 

Along with promoting mental health, the club at Lafayette also works to raise awareness and funds for children in need around the community. 

“The role of UNICEF at Lafayette is to spread our mission of raising awareness and raising money for children in need in our community and the world at large,” Club president senior Vedika Kumar said. 

Kumar believes that students join the club because they are able to make a difference in their community and there isn’t a deadline to join, unlike other service clubs at Lafayette. 

“[UNICEF] have helped these groups by providing money, and resources such as school supplies, health care services, access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and much more,” Kumar said. 

While students at Lafayette don’t have access to the same resources as the organization, they are still able to help their community by volunteering and fundraising for children in need. 

“I have had a really positive experience with the UNICEF club, it has allowed me to make so many new friends and meet new people while also making a difference in my community,” Kumar said.