Issue 08, 2022
Welcome
The first half of 2022 has been a challenging year for children. Conflict, poverty and disaster continue to impact families around the world, yet our work to protect every child in need does not stop thanks to your support.
In January, our neighbours in Tonga were hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami. An estimated 85 per cent of the population was affected. You responded generously, helping our teams to deliver urgently needed water, sanitation and hygiene supplies, as well as psychosocial support.
More devastating news came in February. The world watched in shock as millions of children and their families fled war in Ukraine. Our teams have been in Ukraine for 25 years.
Thanks to you, we were able to rush life-saving supplies to children and their families inside Ukraine and in neighbouring countries, keeping them safe, healthy, and protected. At times of crisis like this, we couldn’t be more grateful for your support.
At home in Australia, we have been working with local partner Community Spirit Foundation to reach First Nations young people in remote communities with the training courses they need to reach their goals and thrive.
We also welcomed our 2022 UNICEF Australia Young Ambassadors. They have been busy speaking up on behalf of children and young people about topics such as climate change and mental health. With your support, we continue to champion the rights of all children, no matter who they are or where they live.
I hope you enjoy reading about the impact you have made so far this year. On behalf of our passionate teams here in Australia and around the world, a heartfelt thank you for your continued support. You are changing lives.
Tony Stuart,
Chief Executive Officer
Tony Stuart, Chief Executive Officer
Tony Stuart, Chief Executive Officer
News Updates
You helped recover children's lives in Tonga
In January, a deadly volcanic eruption cut Tonga off from the world for days and triggered a 1.2 metre high tsunami which crashed into the capital, Nuku’alofa.
Communities, roads and airports were blanketed in thick ash, and flood waters damaged infrastructure, homes and schools. About 85 per cent of the population in the South Pacific Island Nation were affected by the disaster.
Thanks to people like you, UNICEF delivered life-saving supplies to help children access clean water and keep learning.
Thanks to your support, our teams in Tonga have provided:
1,648 families with clean and safe water by restoring household rainwater systems.
617 children with psychosocial support to help them recover from the disaster.
77 tons of emergency supplies, such as jerry cans, recreation kits and personal protective equipment.
© UNICEF/UN0581166/Wolf
© UNICEF/UN0649707/UNICEF Sri Lanka
© UNICEF/UN0649707/UNICEF Sri Lanka
The economic crisis in Sri Lanka
After recovering from decades of civil war, inflation has led to Sri Lanka facing the worst economic and energy crisis in decades.
UNICEF estimates that 2.8 million Sri Lankan children urgently need humanitarian assistance. The price of food and fuel is rising and life-saving medicines are in short supply. Families can no longer afford to send their children to school, placing millions of children at risk of exploitation and violence.
UNICEF is leading efforts on the ground to save children's lives. We are treating malnutrition, ensuring access to education, providing safe drinking water and health services for children and families.
With more than 50 years of experience in Sri Lanka, our teams are working daily to ensure that no child is left behind.
Extreme drought in the Horn of Africa
Across the Horn of Africa, children and families are making desperate choices to survive. Extreme drought, driven by climate change and the domino effect of the war in Ukraine, is causing an economic crisis. Food and fuel prices have increased, and there is a lack of access to clean water.
Almost 2 million children are in desperate need of treatment for severe acute malnutrition and child marriage rates are increasing in the region, as families struggle to afford to keep their children at home.
Alongside partners, UNICEF is working across the region to provide life-saving aid, such as access to therapeutic food, clean water and health services. UNICEF is also providing cash transfers, to keep children in education, protecting them from abuse and exploitation.
© UNICEF/UN0649452/Rutherford
International Programs: Ukraine
Stories of hope and survival
How you are helping to provide life-saving support for children impacted by war in Ukraine
3 ways you’re making a difference
After months of war, nearly two-thirds of children are displaced within Ukrainian borders and beyond. Thanks to your generous support, our teams in Ukraine and neighbouring countries are delivering health care, psychosocial support, education, clean water and more.
6.8 million refugees across Europe (as of August 2022)
6.6 million internally displaced (as of August 2022)
A safe place to rest
More than half of refugees are children, many of whom are separated or unaccompanied. Emma, five, found shelter at a Blue Dot hub on the Romanian border with her mother and younger brother.
These Child and Family Support Hubs provide a safe, welcoming space to rest, play and simply be a child.
Emma spent the day drawing and playing games in the child-friendly space, giving her mum Yulia respite after their tiring journey. From Romania, the family will go to Germany, but they plan to return to Ukraine as soon as the war ends.
“We have a home, we have a father, we have a mother in Ukraine."
UNICEF and our partners support 32 Blue Dot hubs in neighbouring countries, reaching 1,000 people a day.
Learning doesn't stop in a conflict
Until recently, Anastasiia was teaching English at a school in Odessa, Ukraine. Now she is doing the same, but at a school in Romania for Ukrainian refugee children. Our teams have sent several School-in-a-Box kits, as well as sport kits and backpacks.
Anastasiia’s students Sofiya and Liza fled the war together, leaving their families behind in Odessa. While they wait to return home, they enjoy attending their new school. The girls received bags with school supplies, which contain notebooks, coloured pencils, and a painting pallet.
New life in a warzone
Imagine fleeing a war while pregnant. This was reality for 23-year-old Diana. She was forced to flee her home after a missile strike damaged it, finding safety with her family in Odessa. When her waters broke, Diana’s sister drove her to the maternity hospital. In the safe and capable hands of the hospital staff, she gave birth to her daughter Violet.
“This was difficult and physically painful at the beginning. Now I feel better"
UNICEF has provided midwifery kits and essential medicines to hospitals and maternity centres across the country to ensure mothers like Diana can give birth safely.
Hugh Jackman meets seven-year-old Kostya
UNICEF Ambassador Hugh Jackman connected with Yuliya in Romania where she is helping children forced to flee. She introduced Hugh to Kostya who was excited to share a drawing of his favourite superhero – can you guess who?
Scroll below to watch!
Afshan Khan, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, with Jasmine, six, a refugee child in Poland. © UNICEF/UN0619562/Korta
Afshan Khan, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, with Jasmine, six, a refugee child in Poland. © UNICEF/UN0619562/Korta
Emma at a Blue Dot Hub in Romania. © UNICEF/UN0622180/Holerga
Emma at a Blue Dot Hub in Romania. © UNICEF/UN0622180/Holerga
Anastasiia in her classroom. © UNICEF/UN0622381/Holerga
Anastasiia in her classroom. © UNICEF/UN0622381/Holerga
Diana with her newborn daughter. © UNICEF/UN0623894/Modola
Diana with her newborn daughter. © UNICEF/UN0623894/Modola
On behalf of our passionate teams at UNICEF and the children of Ukraine, thank you so much for your continued support.
You are changing lives.
UNICEF staff surprise Andrei on his sixth birthday with an improvised birthday cake – a papanasi – a traditional Romanian desert like a doughnut. Andrei found safety at a Blue Dot centre in Romania after fleeing Ukraine with his mother and sister.
“I made a lot of new friends today. If you are brave, and you have a joyful heart, you can do anything.”
Local children in Romania visited this centre which hosts refugee children from Ukraine. The children spent hours drawing and making crafts together with UNICEF staff.
Nine-year old Iryna (left) and seven-year-old Olena paint in a subway station in Kharkiv, Ukraine where they are sheltering with their families from the conflict above. UNICEF-supported volunteers have set up spaces where teachers, psychologists and sports instructors play with children on a regular basis.
“If you are not under fire and are safe, do not hesitate to vaccinate your children.”
After fleeing shelling in Kyiv, Hanna is determined to give her one-year-old twins, Solomiya and Myron, a shot at a healthy future. UNICEF is training health professionals at local health centres like this one, where displaced families are getting their children vaccinated.
Supporter Profiles
Our supporters in action
South Australian florist Liana goes above and beyond
“I felt I needed to do something, but what could I do?” says Liana.
After seeing the devastating injustices of war in Ukraine, Liana decided to use her family florist business in South Australia to raise money for UNICEF Australia’s Ukraine Emergency Appeal.
“We had an early crop of sunflowers, and I was on Instagram and Facebook trying to get them sold. My friends commented that the sunflower was Ukraine’s national flower and I got goosebumps.”
After only a few days of starting her sunflower fundraiser Liana sold out. She raised $900 dollars to support and protect children and families fleeing violent conflict in Ukraine.
“People were buying 10 bunches at a time. People bought from the other side of town... paying delivery and didn’t care!”
“The community just comes together, and we rally. I believe the more you do, the more you get - you do good, you will get good.”
Our supporters in action
Quilters across the globe do their bit for families in Ukraine.
Quilters from across the world have joined forces to ‘patch’ together their support for children and families in Ukraine.
The fundraiser was spearheaded by American based fabric designer Pat Sloan. Pat designed a ‘star within a star’ block pattern in yellow and blue, the colours of the Ukrainian flag, for quilters to create as a symbol of strength and support for Ukraine.
As of June 2022, quilters from 24 countries have raised an incredible $320,000 (AUD) for families in Ukraine. As a result, Hobbysew Australia stores have come on board to support this fundraiser in exceeding its goals.
Tony Castley, owner of Hobbysew Australia and an active philanthropist of more than 25 years, says when he heard of the success of the UNICEF Australia fundraiser, he knew he had to rally more Australian quilters.
“Our family business has always looked for ways to support families less fortunate and we’re proud of the way the quilting community has come together to do what we can for Ukraine.”
Hobbysew stores in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory are selling pattern kits for $15 to quilters with all proceeds going to UNICEF Australia’s Ukraine Emergency Appeal.
Quilters celebrate their fantastic work in the Central Coast of New South Wales. © Supplied by Hobbysew.
Quilters celebrate their fantastic work in the Central Coast of New South Wales. © Supplied by Hobbysew.
Are you a quilter, passionate about supporting children in Ukraine?
If you would like to take part in this exciting initiative go to www.ukraine.unicef.org.au/quiltersstandforukraine
Priority Programs: Laos
A little cash
goes a long way
to change lives
Redefining how we support
new mothers in Laos
“Being pregnant and giving birth is a heavy chore,” says 35-year-old Khao (pictured), a pregnant mother of six, as she sits outside of a local health centre in rural Laos.
Khao belongs to the small ethnic group of Bru people, who have their own language and customs. At 15 years old, Khao walked long distances with her husband into the jungle whilst having contractions, to give birth to her first child.
This is a common story for women in Khao’s area. The tradition spans generations and is enforced by the community to ensure no bad luck is brought to a family.
Khao stayed a week in the jungle, nursing her baby and waiting for her husband to bring food each day. Khao had three children this way, until the local health centre was built – transforming women’s lives by supporting safe births in the community.
Like most women in her village, Khao supports her family through farming. Their only source of food is from her small field and access to cash is limited. Her wages are often not enough to support her children. And giving birth means time away from work.
But Khao is determined to give her children a better life.
Today, she is part of a UNICEF-supported cash transfer program led by the Government of Lao PDR and supported by UNICEF Lao PDR in partnership with the Australian Government.
Monthly cash transfers of approximately $18 AUD are enough to support mums and bubs during pregnancy and the first few years of life. For Khao, this cash support guarantees enough money to buy nutritious food for her children.
“It is big money for me, I will buy food for all my children. I get vegetables from my own garden, but meat I must buy. I will buy beef.”
When women like Khao are provided with the right resources to recover from birth without fear of survival, they can heal physically and provide proper care to their babies.
Nurse Phoukham, 33. © UNICEF Laos/2022/Helin
Nurse Phoukham, 33. © UNICEF Laos/2022/Helin
The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are essential for development, with a baby’s brain building up to a million connections every second of their first few years of life. Through proper stimulation, bonding and nutrition, a parent can really set the stage for a child’s ability to reach their full potential.
Nurse Phoukham who works at the local health centre says the program is changing lives in the community.
“People tend to have problems after the birth because they cannot go to the farm right away, but now they get cash to support them during the pregnancy and after the birth,” she says.
"Cash transfers give (mothers) the opportunity to make decisions themselves."
“Normally many families could often not even afford to buy rice... but this program gives them cash to buy things they need.”
Thanks to your generous support, innovative programs like this can be delivered in real time and adapted to the specific needs of a family.
Importantly, it allows children and families to receive equitable support exactly where the need is greatest, affecting generations to come.
Priority Programs: Australia
Empowering young people in remote Australia
Empowering young people in remote Australia
“I feel more confident, and there is more opportunity for me,” says Dakota, from Woorabinda, in Central Queensland.
For First Nations youth living in remote Australia, the transition from school to further education and employment is more challenging to navigate than their peers in the city. Systemic, structural and geographical barriers mean it is harder to get the necessary identification, skills and training.
But with the right support that is culturally safe, young people can flourish and reach their goals.
Dakota has already gained an impressive list of achievements, thanks to a new initiative by the Community Spirit Foundation and supported by UNICEF Australia.
The Sprints Passport Program provides short education and training courses to 15- to 18-year-olds. This provides them with skills and certifications to support their transition into employment.
Dakota was mentored by the Community Spirit Foundation team while she finished a barista course and as she started a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation.
“I was really nervous, but they were there to encourage me. They told me I can do anything."
Dakota has her sights set on being a youth worker and recently applied for a traineeship at the local youth club. She was also selected to play for the Indigenous Rugby Sevens team.
The first step to supporting young people in remote communities is to help them obtain personal identification documents, such as birth certificates, driver's licences and Unique Student Identifiers (USI), which they need to enrol in registered training courses and secure employment.
Want to hear more from Dakota? Watch below!
Woorabinda Elder Anthony Henry says the program is uniting the community.
“We have to build the pathways for our grandchildren,” says Anthony. “This program puts a fire in their belly.”
Over the past 12 months, the program has supported 30 young people to gain identification, further education and certifications, helping them transition from school to the workforce.
Empowered, young people like Dakota can build a future for themselves and their families of their making.
Dakota, left, was supported through the Sprints Passport Program in Worrabinda. © Supplied
Dakota, left, was supported through the Sprints Passport Program in Worrabinda. © Supplied
Woorabinda Elder, Anthony Henry (left). © UNICEF Australia/2022/O’Dell
Woorabinda Elder, Anthony Henry (left). © UNICEF Australia/2022/O’Dell
Youth Voices
Youth Voices
Meet Abbie, a 12-year-old magazine editor
What were you doing at 12? We chatted to Abbie about why she created an online magazine about women in sport and her passion for UNICEF.
What inspired you to create HER WAY?
Abbie: I've loved women's sport for a few years but was frustrated that there weren't any magazines all about women's sport. So, my parents suggested I make my own! I've been fortunate to be invited to some big events and report on sporting matches where I get to chat to the athletes.
What sports do you play?
Abbie: Currently I play AFL in the winter, and I just started cricket last summer. I enjoy playing in a team and making new friends. I'm thinking about joining a netball team at as I've loved getting to know more about that sport.
Who have you been most excited to interview and why?
Abbie: It's hard to name just one athlete! Paralympian Madison de Rozario would be near the top – she's been a huge supporter of mine ever since we first met. I also loved interviewing Jess Fox, Cate Campbell and Ellie Cole.
Why did you decide to donate to UNICEF?
Abbie: When I first started the magazine, I decided that I would help a charity at the same time, and preferably one that helped girls my age through sport. We found a UNICEF program and that felt like a good fit. I’m happy that I've been able to help UNICEF out a lot!
Abbie interviews Paige Hadley at the grand final rematch at the Super Netball for HER WAY magazine. © Supplied/Abbie
Abbie interviews Paige Hadley at the grand final rematch at the Super Netball for HER WAY magazine. © Supplied/Abbie
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
Abbie: I get asked a lot if I want to be a sports journalist in the future, but as some current journalists remind me, I already am one, which is a crazy thing to say at 12 years old! But starting HER WAY makes me want to be involved in sport or journalism in the future. Both need more women!
$1 from every magazine purchase of HER WAY magazines goes to UNICEF Australia's 'Empower Girls Through Cricket' appeal.
Thanks to a UNICEF-supported program that people like Abbie help fund, Abisha (pictured) and her friends now have access to cricket gear and a coach. © UNICEF Sri Lanka/2020/Jayawardena
Thanks to a UNICEF-supported program that people like Abbie help fund, Abisha (pictured) and her friends now have access to cricket gear and a coach. © UNICEF Sri Lanka/2020/Jayawardena
Want to hear directly from experts?
Young Ambassador Emily uses social media for social good.
Find out from young advocate and mental health professional, Emily Unity, on how social media can be used to have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.
© UNICEF Australia/2022/Moran
Why is routine immunisation more important than ever?
Find our from our in house global vaccine expert, Chris Maher, on why childhood immunisation rates are reversing and what you can do about it.
© UNICEF Australia/2022/Labade
Thank you so much for always being there for children, no matter what.
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