“WAR THROUGH CHILDREN’S EYES” SUPPORTS BEYOND CONFLICT

“I decided to do more to give voice to voiceless children affected by wars around the world. On the 30th anniversary of the 1992 Khojaly massacre in Azerbaijan, I organised a competition for children in the United Kingdom to raise awareness of the issue and give children a platform to express their understanding of it through art and writing. The competition was a success, with over 300 individual and school entries from across the UK. The students ranged in age from 5 to 17 years old, and the competition provided a powerful platform for schools and parents to start important conversations with children about the realities of war and how they can help affected children.

Beyond Conflict was chosen to work with, as survivors of the massacre mentioned the impact of not receiving psychological support. Creating a platform where people can donate to Beyond Conflict would help other people in memory of those whose stories were untold.”

Beyond Conflict Co-Founder Edna Fernandes said: “We’re honoured to be associated with this important initiative.  Our charity was set up to provide free mental health support to victims of war and the frontline workers who help them. Beyond Conflict’s formation was inspired by the words of one young Iraqi refugee who fled ISIS in 2016. She told me victims of war urgently needed mental health support as “we are drowning in memories’. Her words had a profound impact. Even after fleeing to a place of safety, they continued to live in terror. It has become clear through BC’s work that providing mental health support is a literal lifeline. This year we are launching a new Mothers4Mothers appeal to raise funds for projects specifically aimed at women and children.”

This autumn WTCE will be collaborating with BC to stage the Beyond Conflict Child of War Exhibition, featuring BC Ambassador Arabella Dorman. This important exhibition will feature a major new work by Dorman as well as images and words from schoolchildren across the UK.

If you are between 7 and 17 years old and would like to join us in our call for an end to wars and violence, and through your creativity to advocate for children everywhere being able to enjoy safe, peaceful childhoods, we would love you to become a part of this project.

There is still time to enter here: https://www.warthroughchildrenseyes.org.uk/.

You can kick off the 2023 WTCE  fundraiser for Beyond Conflict here.

Or you can donate directly at www.beyond-conflict.co.uk.

THANK YOU.