The IKEA Foundation contributed €60 million to UNICEF’s development programs in India earlier this month. The generous donation will provide quality health and education services to millions of underprivileged children and women.
“Five million infants and five million mothers in marginalized communities can receive better access to health, nutrition, water and sanitation services. And 7 million more children can stay in school and receive a quality education,” explained UNICEF’s Executive Director Anthony Lake.
€39.5 million will be allocated to curtail infant and mother morality and malnutrition rates in 13 states across India. A second portion of €20.7 million will fund education programs and a government plan aimed at providing safe environments for children living in difficult circumstances.
IKEA Foundation CEO Pat Heggenes said “IKEA Foundation believes all children deserve a quality education and a healthy start in life, so we are providing this significant grant of €60 million to UNICEF to help develop innovative models designed to improve education and access to vital health services for millions of children and their families in India.”
According to UNICEF reports, India accounts for 38% of the chronically undernourished children in the world. This disparity is due to limited access to quality health care services and adequate nutrition, water and sanitation services for young children and mothers. Additionally, over 80 million Indian children drop out of school before reaching their ninth schooling year.
The Swedish furniture company’s IKEA Foundation is UNICEF’s largest global corporate donor; total investments in UNICEF’s India programs are currently at €158 million. Since the beginning of their partnership in 2002, the IKEA Foundation has aided over 74 million people living in 15 states in India.
Creative Commons Love: Mitwa AV on Flickr.com
