Children's Stories of Resilience

Lost, scarred, sad, helpless. Strong, funny, caring, powerful. Too often children who grow up in war get portrayed as if they are victims. Here they share their stories of resilience.

Children's stories of resilience

Platon (6) Fled With His Family From Kyiv, Ukraine

“We heard a loud boom and suddenly we all had to get in the car very quickly. After two days in a traffic jam, we got out and walked.” Six-year-old Platon fled the war in Kyiv with his brother, sister and parents. Now, the family are seeking shelter in an empty guesthouse in Romania. This is Platon’s story.
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Alex (7) is Building a Paper Army To Defend His People From Attack

Teacher, actor, doctor, astronaut - what does Alex (7) want to be when he grows up? “I want to be a soldier”, he says. “Then, we can win our land back.”
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From Ukraine to Moldova - This is Ihor's (15) Story of Resilience

When the war in Ukraine reached his hometown, Ihor (15) and his family packed their bags and fled. Days later, they would arrive in a small village in neighbouring Moldova. As War Child and other humanitarian organisations prepare to move in, the local community has banded together to support families. An escape from reality, Ihor spends his days playing Fortnite on the Playstation. This is his story.
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For Sanaa (11), Our Back to the Future Programme is a Stepping Stone

Sanaa hadn’t ever attended school. When her mother found out about the “Back to the Future” project, the 11-year-old was one phone call away from being registered in BLN (Basic Literacy and Numeracy) program at Terre des Hommes Italy center in Mount Lebanon.
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Samuel's (8) Journey to Safety in DR Congo

There are currently an estimated 45,000 Burundians living as refugees in neighbouring DR Congo - on the run from violence and armed conflict. Nearly half of these refugees are children - children like Samuel. He was just four years old when the violence in his country erupted. Now, he takes part in the creative and educational activities of our I-DEAL programme in DR Congo.
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Roger (15) Fled War in Burundi. What is Next For Him?

Following the end of a 12-year-long civil war in 2005, Burundi has continued to experience brutal human rights abuses and political unrest. Roger's family originally included his father, mother and seven siblings. But after rebel’s raided their home in Burundi, Roger and his parents found the other six children hanged in the barn. They ran, unable to say goodbye or bury his siblings – eventually arriving in Uganda.
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Alaa (11) is Rebuilding Family Ties Through Our DEALS Programme

Alaa fled Syria eight years ago with her parents and two brothers. She has been living in Jordan ever since, near its capital Amman. Alaa misses Syria, but she is happy to feel safe and free. “Every day I participate in War Child's activities," she says. "I learn something new every day..."
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A Journey With Road Bumps But Bayan (11) Refuses to Surrender

One year on from the Beirut explosions and two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, Lebanon is on the brink of collapse. While the sustained economic and political crisis has affected all areas of life, the lack of education options for young people is fueling a new era of hopelessness. That’s unless you’re 11-year old Bayan. Disability, exclusion, isolation - these are just road bumps on her journey…
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