Latest news with #UnitedNationsInternationalChildren'sEmergencyFund
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Top 10 countries where kids are the happiest: Netherlands, Denmark lead in global happiness rankings
Top 10 countries where kids are the happiest: Every child deserves a safe, joyful, and healthy childhood. In certain parts of the world, kids are not only surviving, they're thriving in environments built around love, care, and opportunity. These nations prioritise strong family connections, excellent healthcare, and stress-free education systems that let children be just that. The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund's (UNICEF) latest report highlights how some countries are creating the best possible conditions for kids to grow into happy, well-rounded individuals. The study ranks countries across six key areas that touch on everything from health and safety to friendships and emotional well-being. Among the top performers: the Netherlands, Denmark, and France, with Portugal landing just behind them in fourth place. The Netherlands came out on top for mental well-being, a category that includes life satisfaction, depression, and suicide rates. Portugal also stood out here, securing the second spot. However, the report notes that Portugal has more work to do in areas like physical health (where it ranked 10th) and educational and social skills (22nd place). The rankings revealed that no country performs perfectly across all areas. Eastern European countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary, for example, scored well in mental health but fell short on physical health indicators. On the flip side, Japan, South Korea, and Slovenia earned high marks for skills and learning, yet struggled in mental well-being. Countries such as the Czech Republic and Iceland shone in physical health but lagged behind in both mental health and educational performance—demonstrating just how difficult it is to balance every aspect of a child's development. UNICEF evaluated child well-being across six key dimensions that together paint a comprehensive picture of a child's overall quality of life. These included mental well-being, physical health, and educational and social skills, which cover literacy, academic performance, and the strength of peer relationships. The social environment was also considered, focusing on the quality of interactions with family and friends. In addition, safety and security measured children's exposure to violence and bullying, while environment and opportunities examined living conditions and future prospects for growth and development. The report also draws attention to the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people. Mental health concerns and disruptions to learning continue to weigh heavily, and UNICEF stresses the need for 'sustained investment and targeted policy efforts' to help children recover and thrive. Source: UNICEF report
Barnama
16-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
- The Urgent Need For Better Childcare Solutions To Empower Working Parents
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. This problem has far-reaching implications, not just for employees struggling to meet their professional aspirations but also for employers dealing with decreased productivity and retention issues. Balancing work and family life has always been a challenge, but for many parents in Malaysia, the lack of proper childcare support is becoming a critical issue. A study by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) found that nearly 60 per cent of working mothers in Malaysia struggle to find reliable, affordable childcare. Childcare has long been one of the primary reasons many parents – especially mothers – find it difficult to pursue full-time careers or advance professionally. Addressing this challenge is vital for the well-being of families and the nation's economic growth. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the female labour force participation rate stood at 55.5 per cent in 2023, significantly lower than the 81.7 per cent participation rate for men. This figure is also below the average for countries with similar levels of economic development, highlighting the pressing need for targeted policies and interventions. This has forced many women to leave the workforce altogether or take on part-time or lower-paying jobs that may not match their skills or qualifications. The lack of affordable childcare is also reflected in Malaysia's low female labour force participation rate. Cost of childcare One of the core issues is the high cost of childcare in Malaysia. According to a 2022 survey by the Women's Aid Organisation (WAO), childcare fees can range between RM300 and RM1,200 per month per child, depending on the location and services offered. For families living in urban areas like Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru, the costs can be even higher. Low-income families often find it nearly impossible to afford quality childcare services, leaving many parents in a tough position of having to choose between work and caring for their children. The shortage of accessible childcare facilities also exacerbates the problem. There are only about 5,000 licensed childcare centres in Malaysia, serving an estimated population of over 4.8 million children below the age of six. This massive gap between demand and supply has left many parents dependent on unregistered centres or informal care arrangements, which may not meet basic safety or quality standards. Employers, too, feel the ripple effects of these challenges. When employees are distracted by childcare concerns, it can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and higher turnover rates. Childcare responsibilities A report by TalentCorp found that 46 per cent of Malaysian women who left the workforce cited childcare responsibilities as their primary reason. Replacing experienced workers incurs recruitment and training costs for companies, making it a lose-lose situation for both parties. To address these challenges, collective action is required from employers, policymakers, and society as a whole. Employers can take the lead by implementing family-friendly workplace policies. For instance, introducing flexible work hours or remote work options can allow parents to better manage their time. Companies could also provide on-site childcare facilities, which would significantly reduce the logistical burden on working parents. In fact, studies have shown that employees with access to workplace childcare are more likely to remain loyal to their employers and report higher levels of job satisfaction. Additionally, employers can offer childcare subsidies or establish partnerships with licensed childcare centres to negotiate discounted rates for their employees. These measures not only support working parents but also improve employee morale and productivity. On the government's side, there is an urgent need for stronger childcare policies. Establishing more government-subsidised childcare centres, particularly in underserved rural and semi-urban areas, would provide much-needed support for low-income families. Offering tax incentives to companies that invest in childcare facilities or services could further encourage employers to take proactive steps. Singapore's childcare model offers a noteworthy example for Malaysia to follow. In Singapore, parents receive substantial childcare subsidies based on household income, while the government ensures a high standard of care through strict licensing and regulatory frameworks. Public awareness campaigns Malaysia could adapt similar measures to improve access, affordability, and quality in the childcare sector. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns are essential to highlight the importance of investing in childcare as a national priority. Changing societal perceptions about shared parenting responsibilities can also help reduce the burden on mothers, encouraging fathers to take a more active role in childcare. The issue of childcare challenges also finds its relevance in Islamic teachings. Islam places great emphasis on the care and upbringing of children, considering it a shared responsibility of both parents. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, 'Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock' (Sahih al-Bukhari). This highlights the collective duty of society, including employers and policymakers, to ensure a nurturing environment for children while supporting parents in fulfilling their responsibilities. Addressing childcare challenges is not just about helping families; it is about strengthening the nation's workforce and economy. Parents who have access to reliable and affordable childcare are more likely to stay in the workforce, pursue professional growth, and contribute to the country's development. With collaborative efforts from the government, employers, and communities, Malaysia can create an environment where working parents feel supported and empowered, ensuring a brighter future for both families and the nation as a whole. -- BERNAMA Assoc Prof Dr Khairunneezam Mohd Noor is Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Leadership and Management, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. Assoc Prof Dr Nuruliza Roslan is Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.
Egypt Independent
31-05-2025
- Egypt Independent
Egypt, Google, UNICEF to boost tech in education
The Egyptian government, Google, and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) discussed on Friday 30/5/2025 means of boosting technology integration in pre-university education system development in Egypt. During a visit to the United Kingdom (UK), Education and Technical Education Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif stressed his commitment to applying the highest international standards to assess the performance of students and teachers. Abdel Latif noted the ministry focuses on introducing the best training programs for teachers for their capacity building, which will in turn enhance their skills. The meeting focused on improving cooperation to implement successful models for integrating technology into education. The discussions focused on reducing the burden on teachers and saving time through the optimal use of artificial intelligence.
Egypt Today
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Over 950 children killed in Gaza in two months: UNICEF
A file photo of children in Gaza amid the relentless Israeli strikes - WAFA CAIRO – 25 May 2025: The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has reported that more than 950 children have been killed in Gaza due to Israeli strikes over the past two months. 'This must stop. Children must be protected,' stated the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in a post on X on Sunday, referencing UNICEF's data. 'They are starving, displaced, and exposed to indiscriminate attacks.' Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October 2023, Israeli strikes have killed nearly 54,000 people, including over 16,500 children, according to Gaza's health ministry. Among these children, 916 were under one year old; 4,365 were between 1-5 years; 6,101 were between 6-12 years; and 5,124 were between 13-17 years. Last week, Israeli forces launched a new operation in Gaza, intensifying strikes and ground operations with the stated goals of seizing control of the entire enclave, securing the release of remaining Israeli captives, eliminating Hamas, and expelling all residents to outside the Palestinian territory. Additionally, the Israeli government had blocked the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza for nearly three months, leaving one in five people in the strip facing starvation, according to UN estimates. In response to mounting pressure from the global community, including some of Israel's closest European allies, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began allowing aid into Gaza last week. However, the UN has criticized the insufficient number of aid trucks entering, describing them as a 'drop in the ocean.'
New Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Three UNICEF initiatives to empower youth launched in Andhra Pradesh
VIJAYAWADA: The State government in collaboration with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) launched three flagship initiatives, Youth for Social Impact (YFSI), YouthHub, and Passport to Earning (P2E), under a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in the presence of HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh. The initiatives aim to equip young people across the State with the skills, tools, and platforms necessary to thrive in an evolving economy. These programmes align with the CM's 'One Entrepreneur, One Family' and the broader Swarna Andhra 2047 Vision. Under Youth for Social Impact (YFSI), over 2 lakh students from polytechnic, degree, and engineering colleges will be upskilled in entrepreneurship and problem-solving through UNICEF's UPSHIFT framework. The programme targets the creation of a generation of job creators rather than job seekers. YouthHub, a digital-first, multilingual platform integrated with the State's Naipunyam portal, will connect marginalised youth to job opportunities, skill development, and volunteering programmes, ensuring digital inclusion at scale. The Passport to Earning (P2E) initiative offers free access to digital and professional training for youth aged 15-29, equipping them with globally competitive skills to excel in the future workforce. Principal Secretary Kona Sasidhar, APSSDC CEO G Ganesh Kumar, and others were present.
