By: Laura Bennett
To say 2022 has been a tough year for aid workers around the world would be an understatement.
The ongoing ripple effects of the pandemic, coupled with the conflict in Ukraine and our delicate global economy have added pressure to a sector that was already trying to reach vulnerable communities and provide support to regions like Africa where food crises were already devastating.
Ahead of Christmas, humanitarian aid organisation World Vision has teamed up with The Wiggles to release a new song, Around the World, aimed at raising awareness for children in need this festive season.
“We’re so lucky The Wiggles have offered their time and energy to support us because I feel like now, more than ever, children need hope,” World Vision’s Louise Cummins said.
“That’s what World Vision provides, and I love the fact that this is a song about making children all around the world get up and dance and feel strong and hopeful about the future.”
“I love the fact that this is a song about making children all around the world get up and dance and feel strong and hopeful about the future,” – Louise Cummins, World Vision
In reports from the aid organisation, this year alone, more than 50 million people – around half of whom are children – are at risk of starvation, and food insecurity is the cause of 45 per cent of preventable deaths for children under five.
With the release of this song, The Wiggles are encouraging Aussies to transform the lives of 5000 children worldwide this Christmas by sponsoring a child.
“The video features children from communities that World Vision supports dancing and having fun,” Wiggles member Tsehay said.
“The song is a celebration of empowerment that’s designed for Aussies to take a moment to think about the world’s most vulnerable children and what we can do to help them,” – Tsehay, Yellow Wiggles
“The song is a celebration of empowerment that’s designed for Aussies to take a moment to think about the world’s most vulnerable children and what we can do to help them.”
It’s also one that hits close to home for Ethiopian-born Tsehay who said, “there’s so many missed opportunities that children in these countries face”.
“Access to basic resources like food, water, shelter, education – even just being able to play around with their friends,” Tsehay said.
“It’s things like that that I think Aussies really take for granted.”
Louise added, “Yes, there’s a lot going on [globally], but I really believe there’s enough good people and enough good work happening around the world to actually help raise this generation up with hope”.
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
Feature image: Supplied
About the Author: Laura Bennett is a media professional, broadcaster and writer from Sydney, Australia.