History
War Child was established in 1993 in response to the brutal effects of conflict in former Yugoslavia on children. A compelling message and strong association with the film and music industries allowed the organisation to quickly establish itself.
Our early work in Mostar set out War Child's stall as an organisation dedicated to working with children severely affected by war. Our pioneering music therapy programme helped children cope with the emotional impact of conflict and paved the way for a move away from emergency relief towards new ways of working. The development of long-term, sustainable projects has been central to our approach ever since.
The success of the Help album in 1995 allowed War Child to strengthen its influence. We used this and consequent albums to help expand our project reach beyond the former Yugoslavia. We now have substantial projects in Iraq, Afghanistan, DRC and Uganda.
Throughout all these projects War Child uses innovative and positive ways of working.
By working with local partner organisations and involving children directly in our research and decision making we are were able to build projects that meet children's needs in a more responsive and sustainable way.
After more than 10 years of working in Bosnia we have handed over our music therapy programme and the flagship Pavarotti Music Centre to a local organisation that will continue to serve children in to the future.
Today our passion for child rights is as strong as ever and we are determined to continue working with children who have been most severely marginalised by conflict.
In 2006 our campaigning work was recognised by the United Nations Grand Award for "outstanding acheivement in public relations campaigns which best exemplify the ideals and goals of the United Nations".
We were also awarded the International Public Relations Association's Campaigning on a Shoestring for effective campaigning on a limited budget.
