UNICEF: "My Neighbors and Me" offers positive alternatives

BELIZE CITY, Belize, 7 Februrary 2008 -- For tourists, the tiny Caribbean nation of Belize presents a peaceful, sun-washed image of pristine beaches, the world's second-largest coral reef and a laid-back, tropical lifestyle. The reality for many Belizean children, however, is not so picturesque.

Belize's HIV/AIDS rate is the highest in Central America -- and it's rising. Drugs, violence, prostitution and teen pregnancy are an all-too-common reality for children, who have few positive alternatives. Only 45 per cent of children attend secondary school and of that number, only half graduate.

In response, the UNICEF-supported children's group 'My Neighbours and Me' was formed two years ago by brothers Herbert and Ashman Wiltshire -- then ages 18 and 13. In the last year, the programme has expanded considerably thanks to a $20,000 donation from the San Marino Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• UNICEF
• Belize
• My
• Neighbors
• and
• Me
• San
• Marino

[Haappy20]

I would like to know how we can contribute some More...

[chuucho]

Dancing while watching this video

[daTERRORIZER]

Abelin and hmmm big boy good job, no matter what strive to achieve all that you want in life. Keep up the good work.

[tukrila]

Good work!