War Child

Despite being neglected by the international community, Béatrice is working at the centre of one of the most violent conflicts in the world. “As a mother, I am deeply concerned when I see vulnerable children confronted with no means of defense. A typical case is that of an unaccompanied girl who lost her mother during the fighting in Fizi. She was abandoned by her father who had decided to join the armed groups out of anger and vengeance. We found this child on the road, alone - during the mass displacement. I was able to stabilize the girl emotionally, and reunite her with her aunt. I’m determined to keep providing my modest assistance in order to give children relief and hope.” ❤️ #WorldHumanitarianDay #ActForHumanity

Heidyz, a protection and gender officer in Colombia, wants to thank one person for inspiring her to dedicate her life to helping others 👨👧 “Thanks to my father, as a community, we created space for healthy coexistence. He would always take action when the safety of the village was at risk. Having the opportunity to see all these different aspects of ‘community’ has become an essential part of my drive to mobilize actions for social impact.” And she’s doing just that through her key role in our Mae Kiwe/Mother Earth Intercultural Project. “There are a lot of challenges in this area, but I will persevere and contribute to the creation of a safe environment for the next generation.” #WHD2024 #NoMatterWhat

Our staff and partners are doing all they can to help people in #Gaza – despite immense challenges. Our Regional Director for the Middle East, Flutra Gorana, spoke with The Voice Of Islam Radio about the risks faced by aid workers. She emphasised the urgency for governments and those with influence to do more to keep humanitarians safe, in Gaza and beyond. #WHD2024 #ActForHumanity

Ibrahim is working on the frontlines of one of the most devastating humanitarian crises in the world - Gaza. Yet, amidst all this loss and violence, somehow he still sees the good in humanity ❤️🩹 “What drives me to work in situations like these is this sense of responsibility to make a positive difference. It fills me with determination and perseverance to continue this challenging work, as it reflects the best aspects of our humanity. “I remember an impressive moment when I met three children separated from their families by the conflict, including a young child with a physical disability. The toddler, who had difficulty moving, looked exhausted and full of fear. We provided them with psychological support, shelter and food and after, I witnessed a change. The little one began to feel secure and was able to interact with his surroundings.” #WHD2024 #NoMatterWhat

In her work as a child protection officer for War Child in Lebanon, Maryam has developed her confidence and found her calling. “The realisation that you can leave a positive mark – however small – on children’s lives is the greatest achievement and source of pride. "Once, while working, a girl told me how tired she was of life - she felt she had no purpose. After several conversations, and referring her to a psychologist, she now tells me: God sent you to me so I could discover my worth!” Maryam is the true definition of a humanitarian and an inspiration to all of us 💪 #WHD2024 #NoMatterWhat

Polio was eliminated in Gaza more than two decades ago. Now, confirmation of the first case of polio in 25 years and suspected cases emerging threaten a generation of children. Urgent action is needed, including an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect children in Gaza. Read the joint statement: https://lnkd.in/eJEic6E2

Fasco, our child protection officer in South Sudan, lives in an internally displaced site in a town along the White Nile River. The site was set up to protect civilians following the outbreak of armed conflict in 2013. Growing up with violence never far away, Fasco knew from an early age that he wanted to support those who came after him. “I feel that I have the lived experience and skillset needed to support these children - as well as inspire them to realise their potential and become better people in the future. If not me, then who?” We’ll leave it at that… 🫶 #WHD2024 #NoMatterWhat

Aid workers today are more at risk than ever before. Last year was the deadliest year on record, and 2024 already appears set to surpass this grim milestone. Yet, every day, these amazing individuals wake up, head out the door and put themselves at risk to make a difference in the lives of people in need. What drives them to do what they do? Was it a specific experience or a natural calling? Stay tuned to hear from some of our War Child heroes throughout the week! #WHD2024 #NoMatterWhat

Three years after the change in power in #Afghanistan, children are facing a number of complex challenges. Through a variety of activities, War Child is doing everything it can to create a brighter future for young people, including: > Running a network of community “Safe Spaces” together with local partners where children can play, learn and access mental health support > Operating child helplines with mobile teams and working with community-based child protection committees to address exploitation and abuse > Delivering cash relief to families to support incomes and prevent child labour > Providing reunification and tracing services to unaccompanied children deported from Iran or returning from Pakistan And children are determined to create that brighter future all by themselves. Scroll right to read 12-year-old Zahra’s* story of hope ➡ *Zahra’s family are receiving support through our Aid Match project

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is in grave crisis. But what’s actually happening on the ground? What are children and young people experiencing? Samuel Namanga Kinge, our new Head of Programmes, describes the situation ⬇️ “All these years of violence and trauma, they are really starting to show. That young woman who couldn’t tell me her name - she represented so many more. So many still streaming into camps; huge cities housing 300,000 people. Combatants live in the camps alongside children. Hundreds of youth are separated from their families or orphaned. It makes it all the more important - the work War Child is doing. The TeamUp activities, the individual counselling, the linking children with case workers and foster families - this all adds up to the type of work I’ve never seen before. And the type of work we need to see more of...”