UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken just completed a trip to the East African countries of Somalia and Kenya. There, the former American Idol finalist provided children with health care, education, nutrition, clean water and sanitation.

The 29-year-old American Idol alum has written a series of blogs about his experience in the field. Here's a snippet from one of them:

“Getting children back to school is vital for their protection, and helps build a sense of normalcy in their lives. The re-establishment of schools in the most difficult circumstances is a testament to the commitment of UNICEF and to Kenyans. Many displaced parents told UNICEF that getting their children back to school was their top priority.

“Every child has the right to an education. Education transforms lives and breaks the cycle of poverty that so many children are caught in. And an educated child will make sure his or her own children receive an education too. This is just another one of the many amazing ways UNICEF is helping children today, while also building a safer Kenya tomorrow.”

Read all of Clay Aiken’s blog entries at UNICEFUSA.org. (Click on the “Permalinks” to view the full entries.)

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.