Persuasive Speech Save The Children Helen Borges Introductio

Persuasive Speech Save The Children Helen BorgesINTRODUCTION 1

Persuasive Speech: Save the Children Helen Borges

INTRODUCTION

1. Attention Getter: What can you do with $70? The answer to this question may vary depending on who you are. Many people may choose to buy a pretty dress, a pair of shoes, a game that just came out, a huge supply of McDonald’s food… But how many people you know can say that with only $70 they can provide education for a girl in Afghanistan for a whole year, school fees, uniforms and supplies included? Not many, right? Well, that’s a shame, because it’s true, and it is made possible thanks to the hard work of the people from Save the Children.

2. Audience Relevance: According to the 2012 Census, 21 percent of children in America live in poverty. That is 16 million children who understand all too well what it means to go without things that may seem so simple, but are critical in a child’s life, such as books, proper nutrition, and a place to play and learn. As Dr. Eugene Lewit explains in his article for The Future of the Children published in 1993, poor children encounter multiple problems during their childhood. They are more likely than their more affluent counterparts to go hungry, to be inadequately housed and clothed, and to receive inadequate medical care as well as insufficient social support. Save the Children’s mission is to turn those things around, and do whatever is possible to save the children, not only in the U.S. but all over the world.

3. Credibility: As a child, I knew all too well what it meant to “go without”. Growing up in a third world country, it wasn’t all that rare to see myself and my friends going without proper schooling, books, activities and even food. I know how important those simple things are, and I can say that I know that when you live in poverty, $50, $20 or even $10 can be what defines whether you will go to bed hungry or not.

4. Thesis: After listening to this speech, you will have a better understanding of the amazing work that Save the Children does and how a small donation can make a big impact in the life of an impoverished child.

5. Preview of Main Points: In this speech, I will first briefly talk about the history of Save the Children. Second, I will talk about their impact in the lives of children in present days. Then, I will talk about how even a small donation can make such a big difference in the lives of impoverished children not only in the U.S. but all over the world.

Paper For Above instruction

Throughout history, Save the Children has exemplified compassionate action, addressing the needs of vulnerable children worldwide. Established in 1919, shortly after the end of World War I, the organization has a long-standing tradition of advocating for children's rights and providing essential support during crises. Their impactful history underscores a commitment to safeguarding the future of children, especially in times of disaster and upheaval.

In its early years, Save the Children was founded in the United Kingdom to help orphaned children affected by war and destruction. By 1921, the organization had already raised over £1,000,000 to aid children suffering from the aftermath of war in Central Europe, providing food, education, and medical care. Their efforts expanded during the Russian Famine of 1921, where they served over 120 million meals to children, and continued through post-World War II relief efforts, assisting holocaust survivors and displaced children. These historic actions exemplify their longstanding dedication to children in crisis, setting a foundation for their ongoing global relief efforts.

In contemporary times, Save the Children maintains its vital role in emergencies and ongoing development programs. For example, after the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, the organization provided shelter, food, water, healthcare, and sanitation services to 1.6 million Haitians, including 700,000 children. Their rapid response ensured that children’s survival needs were met in a desperate situation. Similarly, during ongoing conflicts such as the Syrian civil war, Save the Children has delivered emergency aid to displaced families, including children who face violence, malnutrition, and separation from their families. Their presence in these crises highlights their capacity to mobilize resources swiftly and effectively to mitigate the impact of disasters on vulnerable children.

Back home in the United States, Save the Children responded swiftly to natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012. In these instances, they established child-friendly spaces, provided educational opportunities, and delivered counseling support to children traumatized by the upheaval. The organization’s ability to adapt emergency relief to children’s specific needs demonstrates its commitment to protecting and nurturing young lives amid adversity.

Despite their extensive history of aid and relief, Save the Children’s impact hinges significantly on donations from compassionate individuals. The notion that small contributions cannot make a difference is a misconception; on the contrary, even modest donations directly translate into vital resources for children in need. For instance, with just $70, a donor can fund education, uniforms, supplies, and school fees for a girl in Afghanistan for an entire year—highlighting how a relatively small amount of money can yield life-changing benefits.

Research indicates that malnutrition and lack of access to basic health and education services cause nearly 45% of deaths among children under the age of five worldwide. Addressing these issues requires concerted effort and financial support. Contributions, regardless of size, enable organizations like Save the Children to maintain emergency programs, develop sustainable education projects, and provide health services that significantly improve child survival rates and quality of life.

Ultimately, supporting Save the Children is an investment in the future. Today’s donations help establish the foundation for healthier, more educated, and resilient children who will grow up to be responsible adults. As volunteers and donors, our support can create ripple effects—breaking cycles of poverty and deprivation, empowering children to reach their full potential, and fostering global stability.

To conclude, the history and ongoing efforts of Save the Children exemplify a relentless pursuit of safeguarding children’s rights and well-being. From post-war Europe to natural disaster zones and ongoing conflicts, their work demonstrates that with collective effort and financial support, children worldwide can be rescued and nurtured. Every dollar contributed fuels emergency aid, educational programs, and health services essential for children’s survival and development. You have the power to be part of this empowering movement—by donating, you can help turn the tide for children in need around the world and secure a brighter future for all.

References

• Britto, P. R., Engle, P. L., & Super, C. M. (Eds.). (2013). Handbook of early childhood development research and its impact on global policy. Oxford University Press.
• Lewit, E. (1993). The Future of Children, Adoption, 3.
• Muckle, J. (1990). Saving the Russian children: Materials in the archive of Save the Children fund relating to Eastern Europe. The Slavonic and East European Review, 68.
• Save the Children. (2014). Official website. Retrieved from https://www.savethechildren.org
• U.S. Census Bureau. (2012). Poverty statistics. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov
• World Health Organization. (2014). Children: Reducing mortality. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
• World Health Organization. (2014). MDG 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
• Additional scholarly articles and reports on children’s health and aid efforts.
• Academic journal publications on child development and global health initiatives.
• Recent case studies on disaster response by Save the Children in Haiti, Syria, and the United States.