Singapore And Unicef: Working For Children

Book excerpt: Singapore's well-documented economic progress since independence owes a big debt to the initial investment that the nation made in raising the nutrition, hygiene, health and education standards of its children. In the early days the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) provided some assistance. The relationship has evolved as Singapore's socioeconomic circumstances improved. Educated and qualified Singaporeans themselves were recruited into the ranks of UNICEF international staff, and left their home country to work on programmes for vulnerable children in developing countries throughout the world.As Singapore celebrates its Golden Jubilee in 2015 and UNICEF looks forward to its 70th anniversary in 2016, Singapore and UNICEF: Working for Children takes a timely look at their past collaborative efforts to advance the rights of the child and help children realise their full potential.Although UNICEF has collaborated with many partner institutions and individuals in Singapore over the past few decades, little has been documented and not all in one publication. The lively essays, candid interviews and first-hand accounts in this volume provide meaningful reflections on the history of the relationship and insights into UNICEF's work and its involvement with diverse parts of Singapore society. Written by several former UNICEF staff, consultants and volunteers, this book will appeal to all who are interested in development, human rights, civil society and the work of a UN humanitarian agency.