The Wiggles, known and loved by children and adults worldwide for their colourful skivvies and catchy tunes, are more than just entertainers – they're also UNICEF Australia Ambassadors.
Over the last 16 years and counting, The Wiggles have helped UNICEF create a better world for children activities and experiences. Let’s take a look at some of their memorable initiatives with UNICEF Australia.
A concert to remember
There’s no greater feeling than singing along, having a dance and raising much-needed funds for children who need it most!
Freshly announced as UNICEF Australia Ambassadors in 2008, The Wiggles spent no time preparing their dancing shoes and hosting a benefit concert for hundreds of excited young fans, many dressed in their best skivvies.
A one-off event in Sydney, The Wiggles’ Concert for UNICEF performance raised over $110,000, which went towards 300 new latrines and clean water for five schools and villages in Timor-Leste. This became even more meaningful when they visited Timor many years later to see the impact of these funds!
The concert saw many Australian guest musicians involved, including Jimmy Barnes – dressed as the honourary Black Wiggle in his own skivvy – Damian Leith, Shannon Noll, and Kate Ceberano to help spread music and raise funds.
Clean hands for every child
Wash Your Hands 🧼 Children's Hygiene and Handwashing
We all know the importance of cleaning our hands, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Written and sung by The Wiggles, the ‘Wash Your Hands’ song sought to motivate millions of children in Australia and around the world to make washing their hands with soap a simple and enjoyable habit before eating food, touching animals, or going to the toilet.
As Ambassadors for UNICEF Australia, The Wiggles want to help raise awareness that handwashing with soap is an easy, effective and affordable way to prevent illness and diseases, and save lives.
2.3 billion
people do not have a handwashing facility with water and soap at home.
156,000
community members in Timor-Leste were provided with improved WASH facilities, such as access to water, toilets and handwashing, at UNICEF Australia supported health centres.
Without the basic facilities, and as a result of poor sanitation, and lack of clean water, children often get diarrhoea and pneumonia, both infectious but preventable diseases.
Without the basic facilities, and as a result of poor sanitation, and lack of clean water, children often get diarrhoea and pneumonia, both infectious but preventable diseases.
UNICEF is working across the Asia Pacific region to provide access to clean water and reliable sanitation in schools, communities and health care facilities. Our water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs offer simple solutions on a large scale to reach children with drinking and hand washing water, and toilet facilities, lowering the risk of preventable diseases and improving the overall health of children and their families.
A special visit to Ethiopia
At only 15 years old, Tsehay Hawkings became the youngest Wiggle, plus she was the first (and only) female Wiggle to wear pants!
Growing up passionate about dance and movement, Tsehay has always loved to perform. Tsehay entertains millions of children and speaks openly about her adoption journey, her birth country Ethiopia, inclusion and the importance of education.
242 m
In 85 countries, 242 million students had their education disrupted by extreme climate events in 2024
119 m
119 million girls are out of school, missing out on an education
UNICEF Australia will always be there to support a lifetime of learning, helping lift to empower a vulnerable child and their family out of poverty or a way for a young person to gain confidence to find a job.
"I feel really strongly about education because I know it gives children the tools to succeed and it really does open up so many opportunities for the future. I think we take going to school and education [in Australia] for granted but I know how important it is and that it is vital for a child's future."
In 2023, Tsehay returned to her birthplace for the first time since she was a baby and visited UNICEF programs that provide education and support to children in need.
Tsehay's visit to Ethiopia
Spreading joy in Timor-Leste
In a full circle moment, The Wiggles recently visited Timor-Leste, where they saw educational programs, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, learnt about gender equality initiatives and met the warm and welcoming children and families of Timor-Leste, a community they’ve long supported.
The Wiggles spread joy in Timor-Leste
"We have come together to show how much we all care about children all over the world. That's what The Wiggles have always done. That's what UNICEF has always done. It's just a pretty, amazing, beautiful country with beautiful, beautiful people and the last few days have been a real joy."
Stories of bravery
UNICEF's education mascot, Uni the backpack, has teamed up with The Wiggles to guide children in navigating life's challenging moments. All it takes is a little bit of courage, which can be found on every page of our Brave Little Books series!
“Sometimes children have something to say but may feel shy or embarrassed. Having bravery to speak up or ask for help is a useful skill and if children learn it at a young age, it will be with them for life,” Tsehay says.
A monthly subscription to a collection of 12 books and activity packs, t he Brave Little Books are bursting with colour, stickers, and activities that will inspire your child to take courage and build resilience, one wiggly adventure at a time.
The Wiggles Brave Little Books
Perfect for children aged two-to-five years old, The Wiggles Brave Little Books is the ideal balance between learning and having fun, empowering your little one to face life’s adventures with bravery.
Sign up from $25 a month or choose your own contribution amount to maximise the incredible impact you will make on the lives of children in need. Together, we can make a lasting impact for children around the world!
The Wiggles Brave Little Books
Have a Wiggly good time with fun activity packs that teach courage and bravery. Sign up to collect all 12.
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