Schools and Young People

Changing young people's lives

50% of the world's refugees are children. You and your friends can change the lives of these refugees all over the world. By giving another young person the Gift of Childhood, you can support sport and recreation programs that give young people affected by war and displacement a sense of hope and normality.

UNHCR's youth sports programs in countries like Uganda, Thailand, Pakistan and Rwanda, aim to increase children's learning opportunities, empower girls and most importantly, let children play!

• $32 can provide mini sports kit
• $280 can purchase a complete team sports package

Anyone can become a fundraiser!

It's easy and fun to make a difference to kids just like you who want to learn and play. Here are some ideas…

• Participate in the UN International Year of Youth with a school fundraiser

Why? The UN International Year of Youth runs from August 2010 to August 2011. Under the theme 'Dialogue and Mutual Understanding,' the Year aims to encourage dialogue and understanding across generations and promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights and freedoms, and solidarity.

How? Talk/write/act out ideas about how your community can benefit from the ideas and involvement of young people and ask for a gold coin donation upon entry.

How? Hold a sporting challenge event with the proceeds supporting sports programs for young refugees. Learn more about online fundraising here.

• Celebrate World Refugee Day (June 20) with a film festival- gold coin entry

Why? See what it's like to be a refugee by showing this unique sand animation "What If?" which tells the story of a young refugee's flight from her home in southern Sudan to UNHCR's Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. The subject of the film, Adut Dau Atem produced the film together with Sophie Weldon. Both serve as our Special Youth Representatives.

View the "What if?" video

How? Contact us for help with your fundraising ideas.

• A solution to those unwanted gifts

Why? Celebrate your birthday, Christmas and other important gift-giving times by foregoing gifts and asking your family and friends to donate a Gift of Childhood to a refugee child instead.

How? Visit www.worldsbiggestpackage.com

Resources and materials

• Consult the community fundraising guidelines and registration forms.
• UNHCR publications including videos and posters are available by on email request. For fundraising assistance contact us.
• Contact your local migrant resource centre to source a refugee speaker. Our Special Youth Representatives have limited availability but please contact us should you wish them to speak at a fundraising event.

For more information, please contact Justine Butler, Communications and Events Manager, on 02 9262 5377.