Meet Aida Tamargo.

Aida had always planned to do something great for UNICEF and the children they support. It just so happens that what she chose was to climb the highest freestanding mountain in the world!

Growing up in the Philippines, Aida remembers the presence UNICEF had in her community and the positive impact of the organisation. During her career as a paediatrician, Aida worked in a clinic in the rebel-infested mountains of the Philippines. Aida remembers the presence UNICEF had in her community and the positive impact the organisation made to child nutrition, education and development. Over 40 years on, Aida, a mother of three, is dedicated to supporting UNICEF’s vision to build a world where the rights of every child are realised.

“Children are my passion, so when the opportunity to join UNICEF Australia on the Kilimanjaro Climb for Kids arose, I realised that this is something I have to do. Now, rather than later.”

“I’m both excited and anxious. I am excited that I’m doing this with my son (go Team Tarmargo!). It’s another chance for family bonding—to create new family memories. I’m also excited to meet all the other wonderful people on this challenge. I am looking forward to getting to know them and their stories,” she says.

Overcoming several injuries, Aida has challenged herself to recover, keep fit and train hard.

“This has been an amazing journey. The generosity of our community—and sometimes from unexpected places—has truly touched me. It has been a roller coaster ride, but with family and friends supporting us, it has been life-changing.”

Following the adventure, Aida recounted: “My son and I reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro together. The previous 6-day trek was gruelling but with magnificent terrain. It was an amazing journey. The generosity of our community truly touched me. It was definitely a roller coaster ride, but the support of family and friends, I had a life-changing experience.”