SURVEY: Charity Children International Releases Survey Showing Teens are Better Equipped to Escape Poverty

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- In observance of International Youth Day, Children International, a Kansas City-based non profit reports that more teens graduated from their Youth Program this past year than ever before -- with the teens becoming motivated agents of change in their communities. This year, 9,767 youth graduated from the program -- the most ever.

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Children International surveyed those same young people to learn how the sponsorship program impacted their lives and to discover how the organization could build upon the program's successes. Teens reported there were important program areas where progress has been made which include:

• 85 percent of youth received educational support
• 84 percent viewed health education for youth as favorable
• 73 percent wanted to continue their education for up to three more years
• 73 percent consider job-skills training favorable

More importantly, the survey showed that youth who participated in Children International's Youth Program were more successful overall in education, leadership, and possessed a positive outlook. Those youth are more likely to complete school, become civic-minded, and encourage community growth.

Children International President and CEO Jim Cook said, "I am proud of the dedication our youth demonstrate toward their education and success as young adults. They have overcome so many of the hurdles placed on them by the poverty that surrounds them."

According to the United Nations’ World Programme of Action For Youth’s “2010 Action for Youth” Policy, youth in developing countries face illiteracy and inadequate job training as they enter adulthood. With a slowing global economy, the ability for those who receive education and job-skills training only better prepare them for a job market with fewer jobs and more competition than ever.

With this kick-off of the International Year of Youth, Children International's Youth Program teaches its 130,000 members in 11 countries from 12 years to 19 to become more educated, involved in civic affairs, and prepared for employment. The program is geared to lifting impoverished youth approaching adulthood to become healthy, self-reliant adults. Youth learn those skills through a variety of programs including leadership training, organized sports leagues, job-skills training, and community and civic responsibilities.

If you would like to see the results from the youth survey, please visit Youth Report Card 2010.

If you would like to learn more about our Youth Program, visit Children International Youth Program.

About Children International's Youth Program:

Children International's Youth Program has more than 130,000 members around the world. The Youth Program provides teens from 12 to 19 years of age a positive environment in which to grow. The program also provides youth a safe place to gather with their friends, as well as constructive activities to empower them to become leaders in their communities. Members democratically elect a youth council with the intention of solving social, cultural and economic problems.  

About Children International:

Established in 1936, Children International is a humanitarian organization with its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. Children International's programs benefit more than 335,000 children and their families in 11 countries around the world including Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Zambia, Honduras, India, the Philippines and the United States. For more information about Children International or to sponsor a child, visit www.children.org

SOURCE Children International