Top > World > 2005 > December > 2005-12-11

American Youth Can Make a Difference

Young American adults feel that they can make a difference in the world, especially with regards to poverty abroad. A new poll indicates that they feel they can change the world. Conducted by Compassion International, the poll revealed an increase in giving to the poor in 2005. Officials believe this may be attributed to the natural disasters at home and overseas.

United Nations` statistics indicate that of the 2.2 billion children on the planet, nearly a billion live and poverty while another 300 million go to bed hungry every night. Another 30,000 children are estimated to die every day due to malnutrition or disease. The majority, young adults 18-21 years of age were most optimistic about the chances of individual Americans influencing in the world. With the optimism expressed by American young people, we are hopeful that this is the beginning of a nationwide trend,` Dahlin says. `Each individual, young or old, really can make a difference in the life of a child overseas.`

David Dahlin, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Compassion International, says, `The tsunami, hurricanes and earthquakes of the past 12 months appear to have had an effect on giving.` He continues, `We`re grateful that Americans responded. But we also hope they realize that even when there are no natural disasters, there are still children in other countries who are in desperate need.`