/PRNewswire/ -- Children International, a U.S.-based humanitarian organization, is joining the United Nations' global effort called "Stand Up and Take Action" in a 3-day celebration to raise awareness of poverty, especially among youth. The grassroots events taking place from September 17-19 hope to mobilize organizations and individuals around the world to support the UN's goal to end poverty by the year 2015.

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Today's youth are more exposed to poverty than any other age group. In 2008, 152 million young workers "“ or nearly 25% of the world's working poor "“ were living with their families on less than $1.25 a day. According to the International Labor Organization, the economic crisis has caused the unemployment rate in young people 15-24 years to rise to 13 percent, up from 10 percent in 2007. There is no end in sight as youth unemployment is expected to escalate by the end of the year.

Children International has been proactive in taking a stand against poverty through "Into Employment," a job-skills training program that equips youth with skills needed to obtain a job. Into Employment provides youth with skills that make them more marketable, even in developing and struggling countries.

In Kolkata, India, 17-year-old Bittu Mandal worked running errands for a free meal and very low pay. Being poor and unable to afford school or vocational training, he took welding courses through the Into Employment program. With his welding certification, he now works at a local factory earning more than other untrained workers.

"With my income being added to the family, we are now slowly being able to spend money on little extras that had not been possible so far. Even though I work long hours, there are job security and the satisfaction of knowing that if I perform well, I can grow within the organization," says Bittu.

Children International's President and CEO Jim Cook said, "Taking action to fight poverty is something we do at Children International every day. We provide children and youth with the opportunity to become self-supporting young adults."

As a key to community development, Into Employment strikes partnerships with corporations and business networks. Once a youth has completed their studies, their certification makes them more valuable in the job market. Programs like Into Employment provide youth with skills in trades like information technology, hospitality, secretarial work and hairdressing.

The United Nations' eight goals "“ the Millennium Development Goals "“ which were developed in 2000 in an attempt to offer a roadmap to end poverty's root causes, will be revisited at this month's summit at the United Nations headquarters.

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.

Children International

Children International

Established in 1936, Children International is a humanitarian organization which invests in more than 335,000 children and youth living in crushing poverty in 11 countries around the world. Children International's signature programs provide medical and dental care, nutritional support and educational tools to children beginning at age 3 to 19. Children International's youth programs provide youth with training necessary to escape the trap of poverty as adults -- job-skills training, higher education support, personal financial education, sports leagues and leadership and life skills training.

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