The Twinkle Weeks are back! Through creative fundraising activities, children in Switzerland and Liechtenstein are once again helping other children in need. This year, they are raising funds for children in Laos, one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia. The Twinkle Weeks campaign begins today, 10 November, and runs until Christmas.
In Laos, almost a third of the country's approximately 7.8 million inhabitants are children. Two-thirds of the population live in remote mountainous regions, where many families depend on small rice fields and subsistence farming. When harvests are poor, food quickly becomes scarce: more than one in three children under the age of five suffers from malnutrition. Access to safe drinking water is also a major challenge: 72 per cent of drinking water samples taken from households are contaminated with bacteria, often causing diarrhoea and vomiting. Many families also struggle to access medical care, as the nearest doctor is often far away. Recurring floods and typhoons further compound these challenges, repeatedly destroying schools and water supply systems.
Through Twinkle Weeks 2026, children in Switzerland and Liechtenstein are helping to improve the lives of children in Laos. The funds raised support UNICEF's ongoing programmes in the country, where they can make the greatest difference. UNICEF works to ensure that babies and children receive enough food and that malnutrition is treated early. Donations also help provide access to safe drinking water and medical care. In addition, volunteers are trained to support children in their daily lives, helping them grow up healthy and attend school.
Thanks to the commitment of children in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the lives of many children in Laos are being improved in meaningful ways.
About Twinkle Weeks
Twinkle Weeks is a joint fundraising campaign organised by UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein and the magazine «Schweizer Familie». This year marks its 23rd edition. Over the past 22 years, more than 145 000 children have raised around CHF 9 million, demonstrating their solidarity with children in need. Many well-known personalities support Twinkle Weeks, including Stefanie Heinzmann, Bastian Baker, Anatole Taubman, the comedy duo Cabaret Divertimento, Marco Kunz, Sven Ivanic, Stefan Büsser, Sandra Studer, Charles Nguela, Arina Luisa and Rob Spence.
There are many ways for children in Switzerland and Liechtenstein to raise money. Whether selling homemade jam, making Advent wreaths or putting on theatre performances, there are no limits to their imagination. As in previous years, the most creative fundraising activities will be recognised next May at the Twinkle Weeks Award ceremony at Schauspielhaus Zürich.
Everyone can take part. Find out more (in German) at www.sternenwochen.ch.
