Children, who grow up in a secure, stable environment where their rights are fulfilled and promoted, are more likely to become well-balanced adults and citizens. However, the environment in conflict and post-conflict areas offers insufficient protection for children and young people. As a consequence of the violence and insecurity, factors threatening the healthy development of children are often outnumbering the ones protecting children.

Resilience is a universal capacity that allows children to prevent, minimize or overcome the damaging effects of adversity. The majority of children growing up in war-affected areas very often show remarkable resilience and ability to cope. Resilience involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed. However, being resilient does not mean that a child does not experience difficulty or distress.

Strengthening resilience in children and young people is an important element in War Child’s programs. This is done by strengthening protective factors on all levels: within the child, between children and their families and in communities at large. It is better to look at what a child and young person can do, instead of what they cannot do. However, we always have to take the risk factors that are present into account. Violence, conflict, disrupted communities and poverty often characterize our working environment. This creates extra risk factors on a child, family and community.

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