UNICEF is one of the world’s biggest, most specialized children’s charities. And for many St. Stephens students, Teen Austin UNICEF has given them the opportunity to help kids across the world. One Sunday, camped outside the Westlake Tacodeli, members gathered donations for covid vaccines. These vaccines went where they were needed most, to children’s refugee camps in conflict-zones where COVID-19 is quick to spread, largely untreated, and still fatal. 

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, or UNICEF, relies on events like these to fund many initiatives. UNICEF is currently responsible for over 45% of vaccinations going to vulnerable children, and last year alone they saved three million young lives from death by preventable disease. When looking at all the good UNICEF does, it’s clear why students want to get involved. They supply doctors, nutritional medication, food supply, housing, and education to children facing the worst conditions imaginable. They also outreach to youth clubs like this one, who help to spread awareness and fundraise. 

In Teen Austin UNICEF, St. Stephen’s students receive presentations from real employees, work on media and advocacy, and plan fundraisers. They also have the opportunity to volunteer at local businesses and schools!

This branch decided to focus on COVID vaccination recently because, as club president Charlsie Yarger put it, “vaccines save lives, and they are truly our greatest shield against disease. Most of us are vaccinated, and the children in war zones and refugee camps deserve that kind of care. Especially when you consider that they are far more likely to be malnourished, and in poor sanitary conditions or health care deserts. They’re just generally at a greater risk to lose far more, so they need to be protected.” 

This public health fundraiser was one example out of many, and was a smashing success. By raising over $1,200, Teen Austin UNICEF helped vaccinate one hundred and fifty three children against covid in just one afternoon. “We’re just so grateful for this community, because it’s really the generosity of everyone we got to talk to that saves these kids,” member Lila Saur said. Teen Austin UNICEF meets bimonthly on the Hill in our student center, and is always open to new members hoping to help in any way!