Eleven young voices, countless impact

CONNECT August 2026 | Bringing you closer to what matters – every child, every month

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August 25, 2026 3:01am EDT

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CONNECT August 2026

A group of young people in blue UNICEF shirts

A new generation of young leaders is stepping up. Adriel. Anica. Anju. Ansal. Brodyn. Esther. Hannah. Joel. Kevin. Veve. Zali. Together, they're UNICEF Australia's 2026 Young Ambassadors.

Representing every state and territory across Australia, our Young Ambassadors are passionate advocates about issues ranging from climate action and digital safety to social justice and meaningful child and youth participation. Over the next 18 months, they'll bring their lived experiences, skills and fresh perspectives to the issues UNICEF Australia champions, helping to amplify the voices of young people and shape conversations that matter.

Their journey is just beginning, but their impact is already being felt. We can't wait to see what they'll achieve and how they'll help inspire a brighter future for every child.

In this month’s issue:

As always, thank you for reading – I hope these stories inspire and move you.

Best wishes,

Andrea Andres
CONNECT Editor
UNICEF Australia

10 ways UNICEF helped children around the world in 2025

In 2025, an estimated 213 million children needed humanitarian assistance as conflict and crises continued to impact families around the world. At the same time, international aid funding cuts put essential services at risk.

Despite these challenges, the generosity of supporters like you helped UNICEF and our partners respond to emergencies in more than 100 countries, delivering critical support including health care, nutrition, clean water, education and child protection. Here are just 10 of the ways you helped UNICEF support children in Australia and around the world in 2025.

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A smiling UNICEF worker speaking with a community

On the frontline for children: A conversation with Brendan Ross

Brendan Ross grew up in Adelaide. Today, he's UNICEF's Chief of Child Protection in South Sudan - reuniting children separated from their families by conflict, and helping former child soldiers and survivors of violence rebuild their lives.

To mark World Humanitarian Day on 19 August, we spoke with Brendan to hear his journey from Australia to South Sudan, the realities of humanitarian work, and why protecting children remains at the heart of everything he does.

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For girls in Afghanistan, five years out of school is a lifetime

Since 2021, the future for millions of girls in Afghanistan has been put on hold. More than 2.6 million girls have been denied a secondary education over the last five years, with their learning, friendships and plans for the future on hold, creating a crisis that will be felt for generations.

As Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis deepens, UNICEF continues to support children with education, health, nutrition, child protection services and safe spaces to learn and grow. At the same time, UNICEF is calling for every girl’s right to education to be upheld, so that all girls can return to school and build the futures they deserve.

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A UNICEF worker standing in front of rubble

Childhood impacted by disaster

In a matter of moments, a powerful earthquake changed the lives of thousands of children and families in Colombia on 10 August. Children saw their homes damaged, their schools disrupted and their sense of safety shaken.

As communities begin the difficult road to recovery, UNICEF is on the ground providing emergency support and protection for children, helping ensure they have access to the essentials they need and hope for the days ahead.

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Give a gift that gives twice

A meaningful Father's Day gift that helps children thrive

This Father’s Day, celebrate a dad, grandfather, carer or father figure with a gift that does more than mark the occasion.

UNICEF Inspired Gifts help provide essentials such as therapeutic food, clean water, education, and health care for children around the world.

Choose a meaningful gift for someone you love and help be there for children and families when they need it most, creating a brighter future for every child.

BROWSE FATHER’S DAY GIFTS