Building back better in Myanmar

"I love this school!  I love the space, the colors, my desk—everything." That’s what fifth grader Aye Nandar Win says about the brand-new school built by UNICEF and Myanmar’s Ministry of Education. When Cyclone Nargis swept through Myanmar's Irrawaddy Delta last year, UNICEF went into action immediately—delivering pre-positioned supplies like medicines, vaccines, oral rehydration salts and health kits to save children's lives. But UNICEF’s emergency response in Myanmar didn't end when the new coverage did. UNICEF also aimed to “build back better,” ensuring children’s long-term recovery by creating safe places for them to learn, play and support each other. With generous donor support, UNICEF helped set up "child-friendly spaces" for more than 17,000 children in the cyclone’s aftermath and is now planning construction of 46 new schools. Click here to learn more.

Humanitarian action at mid-year

In the first half of 2009 we've seen some improvements in several long-standing humanitarian crises. But millions of children and women continue to be affected by ongoing conflicts, protracted displacement and natural disasters such as earthquakes, droughts, floods, cyclones and hurricanes. For a thorough overview of the crisis facing children around the world, we encourage you to read the "UNICEF Humanitarian Action Report 2000 Mid-Year Review," which assesses progress to date for children in 36 countries and outlines needs for the coming months. Click here to learn more about the mid-year review.