Children in Gaza are in desperate need.
Donate today

We’re enabling young people to reach their full potential through education and leadership programs. 

Teen years are a time of discovery; of who we are, our values, interests and relationships. There’s also strong evidence suggesting the teen years offer a second critical window of opportunity; a time of physical growth and brain development where young people can make up for ground lost earlier on. 

During these years, girls and boys begin to interact with the world in new ways by taking chances and learning new skills. But far too many are not getting what they need to realise their full potential, and we’re working to change that. 

Youth Drought Summit Circle ©UNICEFAustralia/2019/Ziaziaris

We know that supporting young people to thrive, in health, wellbeing and education plays a huge role in how we elevate young people and strengthen entire communities. 

Australia’s young people are facing many challenges; poverty, a lack of access to essential services, impacts of climate change and the ongoing effects of COVID-19. Young people living in regional and remote Australia, especially First Nations children, are not only facing these issues, but also have greater challenges accessing programs than their peers in the cities.  

In fact, only 55 per cent of young people in very remote communities are engaged in full-time work, training or study, compared to 76 per cent in major cities. That’s why UNICEF Australia and its partners are helping to achieve transformational change for teenagers in remote communities in Australia.  

A Community Spirit Foundation leader© UNICEF Australia/2022/ O’Dell

"My role in community, as I see myself, is to empower the youth to strive and become leaders."

Ivy Yoren, Program Coordinator for Community Spirit Foundation

How you can help us make a difference 

For all Australia's children

From remote towns to city centres, the rights and wellbeing of Australia’s most vulnerable children and young people are being impacted by poverty, mental health, homelessness, violence, climate-driven disasters, and for some, lack of access to quality education and health care.

A young First Nations child smiling at the camera
© Moriarty Foundation