Clay Aiken Brings Attention to Somalia
June 28, 2008 by Jeanne
Image details: Clay Aiken Signs "On My Way Here" At Virgin Megastore served by picapp.com
American Idol star, Clay Aiken, is definitely fulfilling his duties as a UNICEF ambassador. He is currently on a campaign to raise awareness about the problems in the African nation of Somalia where “conflict and hunger have created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.” Unfortunately, public interest in the issue has diminished over the years but Clay wants to change that and I’m am glad he is doing this work.
“It’s the most dangerous place for a child to be,” he said. “In the lower part of the country, southern part, I feel it’s a more desperate situation than any place we’ve ever been.”
Click here to learn more about UNICEF.
He is not just on a campaign to raise awareness, he actually traveled to Somalia with Unicef. Unicef reports that he will be blogging soon to share his experience. Clay is a brave man with his heart in the right place.
Thank you for reporting this Jeanne. It’s nice to know that at least some people are focusing on the positive about Clay for a change.
Shallow me says – Great picture!
Considerate me – There will be an appeal for funds. after the tsunami, Clay has ben sent to the places most people forgot or want to forget – Uganda, Afghanistan, and now Somalia. There has been a UN worker kidnapped there right now and a reporter was kidnapped and murdered a short while ago. Not a safe place. I guess the trip to Mexico were there was little clean water and everyone lived in tents because the land was wiped out with flooding must have been the easy trip.
Since being appointed a few years ago, Clay has taken 5 trips of about 1 week, which requires studying the history, culture and customs of the country before the trip and then report, appeal and, sometimes, testifying before congress.
Two of the trips required UN promotion as well.
Clay will be participating in the CNN SPECIAL – “One child at a time” – among others explaining how you can make a difference through UNICEF.
http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/
Thanks for the story, Jeanne, and for helping Clay’s campaign to raise awareness of the problems that still exists in Somalia, by reporting this. I am sure UNICEF will soon have footage of Clay’s travels there.
Airing in a global broadcast on July 6, 2008 on CNN, Clay, along with several other celebrities including Lucy Lui, Joel Madden and Al Roker, will appear in special video diaries of their volunteer experiences and will encourage viewers to help children around the world. It is to be aired at 8pm, 11pm and 2 am EST.
I remember Clay telling the judges during Hollywood week of AI2 that the biggest thing about being part of AI was the influence when your well known and that he wanted to be an advocate for children with special needs. Kudos to Clay for staying true to his word with his 5th UNICEF trip (I think that’s right), along with all his other humanitarian efforts.
It is great to see that other Idols have also given of their time to make a difference in some way for their various causes.
Clay has a good heart. I knew this ever since I heard he was a special education techer and worked with autistic kids.. Thanks Clay for being a great role model.
I think Clay is the greatest .He is using his celebrity status to bring attention to the most horrible conditions of children around the world. ,even in the good old U.S.ofA.Hhas always said “it doesn’t matter how he makes a difference he wants to make sure that he does.,& he is.That’s why we love him so much.
It’s nice to see the media print the truth for a change. Most of his good works get unnoticed by them.
God keep you safe Clay.
Clay really is a stand up guy. I am proud to support his humanitarian efforts.
Regardless of the “garbage” continuously spewed about this MAN he remains tall and proud, true to himself and his convictions. Self disciplined, thoughtful of others and selfless. He walks the talk and follows no other. He is a leader. He ignores the hate and stays focused on the love. God speed, Clay! You are one in a million!!
What this guy has seen in his young life is really astonishing. I am glad for his appearance on Idol because that has given him a chance to do what his heart is all about. I have been made so much more aware of the horrible autrocities that children in third world countries face and it is my pleasure to try to support Clay in his appeals. He really does make a difference and I hope he knows that.
He’s a good man. And Im proud to call myself a fan.
Thank you for your story — yes, Clay is continuing to do and go where his heart is — to places where children need a voice. Somalia is a really dangerous place as is Uganda and Afghanistan where Clay has traveled before as UNICEF Ambassador — all this to call attention to the needs of children in these countries. Thank you, Clay. And thank you for sharing your singing voice and your speaking voice with us.
Thank you for sharing news of Clay’s trip for UNICEF! He’s not only a great singer but a man with a heart for those in need, not only in the U.S. but around the world. I love his new album and look forward to seeing him on a CNN special about UNICEF on Sunday, July 6.
Thank you for this article. Clay is a young man that continues to amaze me with his heart. He said to America when he was on Idol, that he wanted to make a difference, and that’s just what he’s doing. The children of the world need more people like Clay.
Thank you for this article and a thank you to Clay for his efforts.
Continue to use your voice Clay for all the helpless children of the world who cannot. God bless you and the suffering children of the world.
You are a good and decent man; definitely one with honor. No matter what is thrown at you in the media, it amazes me how you stay focused and continue to do the work that you do and “ignore” all that is out there; you are a very couragious indeed.
You carry yourself through this world with dignity because you are a man of truth and honor and know who you are and people should be judged on the good they do for others in this world. You do so much for helpless children all over the world by giving them a voice through yours—Bravo Clay Bravo! My Check is in the mail to UNICEF; I hope we can build the school for this little girl in Somalia.