To the Editor:
In the April 26 edition of The Dartmouth, Sheila Chithran '05 ("UNICEF Deserves Recognition") presents a problem within the Dartmouth bureaucracy that needs immediate attention or reconsideration: its failure to give recognition to a Dartmouth chapter of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. Although relatively unknown in the United States, UNICEF is an entity within the United Nations whose main concern is the well-being of children around the world. As a child in a turbulent country in the early 1990s, I was able to see UNICEF in action, and, although I wasn't directly affected by its mission, I was able to observe the effect that it had on the happiness of my peers. Besides providing clothing and food to where they are most needed, UNICEF aids in education by building or restoring schools, providing didactic supplies, heat, etc.
This shortcoming on the part of the responsible parties, incites me to invite them to think twice about this issue. I would like them to act and think as individuals with a conscience and heartfelt consideration, rather than as signature-givers. I am not suggesting the complete abandonment of formalities, but rather requesting a much more sincere reconsideration of the case presented by UNICEF members and other similar groups. Dartmouth must acknowledge the enthusiasm of its UNICEF members as one more reason for which to be proud, for it is often lacking among others of our generation. It must see that having a group of students that show this level of commitment towards the well-being of children from so far away, does, indeed, deserve a more fair chance at surpassing bureaucratic hindrances in order to arrive at its dignified purpose.
Thank you for your kind understanding!
