Anonymous $5 Mil Donation Helps Impoverished Youth Around The World

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Impoverished teenagers around the world now have hope for a brighter future after Children International, a humanitarian organization, receives a $5 million donation to kick off its new and robust Education Initiative for Youth.

The donor, who asked to remain anonymous, requested that a children's charity be the recipient of the multi-million dollar contribution to significantly strengthen and expand support from corporations and foundations for youth living in poverty around the world. The donation lays the foundation for theYES (Youth, Education and Skills-training) Program, which focuses on educational and job-preparation benefits for teens living in poverty around the world. The program's goal is to help over 136,000 youth supported by Children International, 60 percent of those being teenage girls, overcome obstacles to become effective agents for positive change by providing them with skills to become educated and employed and end the cycle of poverty.

Teens in under-developed countries must struggle against poverty every day to stay in school. The vision of Children International's YES Program is that qualified youth be guaranteed support for education and the training they need to obtain a job. Teens need tutoring, computer skills and other training in order to ensure they can become self-reliant, working adults. As nearly 50 percent of teens in impoverished countries are unemployed and out of school, scholarships would be provided for either high school, college tuition or vocational training.

More than 1.2 billion of the world's young people between the ages of 15-24 comprise 25% of the workforce. Yet, the lack of jobs, experience, and job skills creates a more challenging job market with little room for inexperienced teens. The skills component of the YES Program provides teenagers with vocational training, job skills, and career counseling. The youth will receive support and guidance to a suitable career path and the necessary training for marketable jobs.

Without education and employment, many impoverished young people fall victim to gangs, drugs, violence and teen pregnancy or remain victims of hopelessness. With education and the opportunities it provides, a new generation of young people can participate in solving the many problems confronting mankind. With the YES Program, youth have the partial financial support for vocational training or university tuition, necessary career counseling to find employment, and job skills to keep a job. More education increases their human capital, tilting the odds in their favor so they can escape extreme poverty to lead productive lives and improve their quality of life in their communities.

James R. Cook, President and CEO of Children International said, "A contribution of this magnitude will change the lives of Children International's youth forever. The generosity of the donor creates an opportunity and impetus for corporations and individuals to break the cycle of poverty for youth by providing them with the means to contribute to society."

He continues, "We stand ready to work with corporate and foundation donors to forge a brighter future for our youth. Children International has a sound infrastructure, network of volunteers and a peer-to-peer health education unrivaled by any organization. Children International can be a strategic partner to any organization seeking to serve and advance the common global good."

About Children International:

Established in 1936, Children International is a nonprofit organization with its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. Children International's programs benefit over 325,000 poor children and their families in 11 countries around the world, including Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Zambia and the United States. If you would like to help, Sponsor a Child today. HOPE, opportunity and jobs through education!