Firefly International

Firefly International For children affected by war

We support locally-led projects in Bosnia, Turkey, Syria and Gaza that create safe, supportive and inclusive spaces for young people to learn, thrive and grow. Through artistic and educational programmes, our partners, Svitac, Firefly for Syrians and ACTI and IMET2000 (in Gaza), provide young people with opportunities and support to develop their skills, confidence and networks, improving prospects for brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

23/01/2026

✨ What does peace mean to children?

In our Fireflies for Peace workshops, children told us:
Peace means feeling safe.
Peace means kindness.
Peace means having friends.
Peace means not being afraid.

Their words inspired this project.

Fireflies is more than a song. It’s a way for young voices from Scotland and Bosnia to share their hopes for a kinder, safer world — together. 🌍🎶

We’re building a movement led by young voices - and we’d love you to be part of it. Find out more on our website, if you are a school or choir please get in touch to take part!

💛 We are ending the year feeling incredibly grateful 💛This year, our supporters amazed us with their generosity, creativ...
31/12/2025

💛 We are ending the year feeling incredibly grateful 💛

This year, our supporters amazed us with their generosity, creativity and kindness — proving there are so many ways to support children through Firefly ✨

🏃‍♀️ From running half marathons
🐶 To fundraising through puppy sales
📚 Writing and donating book proceeds
🎤 Hosting pub quizzes and school concerts
🎨 Volunteering professional skills
🕯 Honouring loved ones through in-memory collections

Every fundraiser, donation and act of support has helped children access creative lessons, safe spaces and learning opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.

To everyone who gave time, energy, ideas or funds — thank you. You are at the heart of everything we do 💛

11/11/2025

Firefly’s Echoes of Peace – A Concert For Our Times

Join us for an inspiring evening of music, film, and reflection, as Firefly marks 30 years supporting children affected by war.

One of the highlights of the evening will be a presentation of Aleksandra Bilić’s moving film “The Score” - an ode to music and memory inspired by her mother’s journey from Sarajevo to the UK during the Bosnian War. Aleksandra will share insights about making the film, and Maja Bilić will perform her original compositions live, bringing the story’s emotional heart to life.

📅 Saturday 13th December, 6PM
📍 St Columba’s, Pont Street, London SW1X 0BD

🎟️ Tickets are selling fast - get yours now: echoes-of-peace.raiselysite.com and at the link in bio

✨ What an unforgettable evening! ✨A huge thank you to all the incredible performers who brought Peace in Progress to lif...
05/11/2025

✨ What an unforgettable evening! ✨

A huge thank you to all the incredible performers who brought Peace in Progress to life at St Cecilia’s Hall — your talent, passion, and creativity filled Scotland’s oldest concert hall with hope and harmony. 🎶

This special night reminded us of the power of youth and the arts to unite and inspire us, even in challenging times. 💛

Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported us, and helped make this celebration of peace and creativity such a success. Photo credit: Lee Young & Katie Higgins

This October marked a deeply meaningful milestone - 30 years since Ellie Maxwell, the founder of Firefly International, ...
04/11/2025

This October marked a deeply meaningful milestone - 30 years since Ellie Maxwell, the founder of Firefly International, first arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Though Ellie left us too soon, her spirit continues to inspire every activity at Svitac (Firefly in Bosnia). Her family and friends joined our team in Brčko to celebrate her life and the legacy she began, which continues to thrive through Svitac’s creative, educational, and community-driven work.

As the 68th OHR Report notes, “peace continues to prevail in Bosnia and Herzegovina despite the political tensions…” in a context where institutions are under strain, the role of education, dialogue, and youth engagement is more vital than ever.

🔹 In October, Svitac engaged over142 participants (aged 4–30) in the following:

🌎 On World Children’s Day: The youngest participants created motivational messages in Bosnian, English, and German, expressing their dreams and hopes.
🎨 Language & culture sessions: Participants across all ages took part in English, German, Turkish, and Cultural & Art Diversity workshops
💬 Dialogue sessions: Older participants explored topics like non-violence, peace, and virtue, in open, judgement-free spaces. On the International Day of Non‑Violence, they shared personal stories and reflected on empathy, justice, and dialogue.
🎃 Halloween celebration: A joyful event with costumes, games (such as candy fishing, balloon painting, musical chairs), and sweet treats prepared by volunteers. Laughter, creativity, and community spirit filled the park.

Svitac remains a living tribute to Ellie’s vision - offering spaces of learning, connection, and peacebuilding in a region where the resilience of youth and dialogue matters deeply. 🌟

🌍 June at Svitac – A Month of Creativity and Connection 🌞This month at Svitac was all about shared learning, sunshine, a...
16/07/2025

🌍 June at Svitac – A Month of Creativity and Connection 🌞

This month at Svitac was all about shared learning, sunshine, and community spirit! Through our Culture and Art Diversity Around the World program, participants explored languages, art, music, drama, and sports in fun, engaging workshops.

✨ Highlights
🗣️ Language workshops in English and German helped youth strengthen their conversational skills.
🎶 Samba and guitar brought rhythm and energy to our music sessions.
🎨 Younger children created summer-themed crafts, practiced yoga, learned Cyrillic letters, and played fun educational games.

Svitac also celebrated global themes like family, environment, refugee awareness, and child rights, offering safe spaces for youth to express themselves and discuss important issues.

🌿 Svitac’s joyful Spring Event united kids, youth, and families in a celebration of togetherness.

👥 Volunteers & Community
Svitac continued to host two international volunteers from Germany as well as supporting Bosnian volunteers currently serving abroad. Regular meetings with local NGOs helped coordinate ongoing youth centre activities.

📊 Around 160 participants, aged 4 to 30, took part in Svitac’s workshops - learning, creating, and growing together.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this month so meaningful! 💛

🚨 We need YOUR help! 🚨Firefly has the chance to win £2,000 from the Movement for Good Awards – and you can help make it ...
15/07/2025

🚨 We need YOUR help! 🚨

Firefly has the chance to win £2,000 from the Movement for Good Awards – and you can help make it happen! 💛

It only takes 30 seconds to nominate us, and every nomination gets us one step closer to winning funds that will directly support children affected by war. 🌟

📝 Follow the link to nominate: www.movementforgood.com
🔍 Charity Name: Firefly International🎓Charity Type: Education and skills

Let’s show the power of our community. Please like, share, and nominate today – together, we can make a big difference. 🙌

🚨 Project Update – June 2025 | Firefly for Syrians✨This month marks a turning point for Firefly for Syrians - not just i...
14/07/2025

🚨 Project Update – June 2025 | Firefly for Syrians✨
This month marks a turning point for Firefly for Syrians - not just in programme delivery, but in the fulfilment of a long-held vision. After over a decade in Turkey, the team has taken its first major step back into Syria.

📍 Latakia – A Major Milestone
For the first time since the war began, FFS has opened an office on Syrian soil. After more than ten years working as refugees in Turkey, the team can now begin rebuilding where it’s most needed - from inside Syria. This small office established in Latakia lays the groundwork for a new chapter, allowing FFS to deliver early years education directly to Syrian children.

📍 Qabasin – Core Programme
The education programme concluded for 187 children, with 48 continuing in July. A joint closing ceremony is planned to celebrate their achievements.

📍 Qabasin – Summer Remedial Course
Running 1 July–1 September, this course supports 700 students across 24 schools, helping children catch up in Arabic and maths.
📍 Al-Bab – Strategic Invitation
FFS was invited to support early education in Al-Bab. At a session with 80 educators, the team presented its curriculum and approach as oversight shifts to Syrian leadership.

📍 Al-Rai – Kindergarten & Summer Support
After closing the year for 90 children, FFS launched a summer programme for 140 students, including 16 returnees from Turkey needing Arabic language support.

💬 Looking Ahead
Firefly has been asked to support 650 orphaned children and 35 teachers in Al-Bab. It’s a powerful opportunity - but it requires funding. The team is seeking urgent support to make it a reality.

🙏 Firefly for Syrians extends its heartfelt thanks to all those who have stood by its mission - especially as it finally steps back into Syria to help rebuild, one classroom at a time.

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C/o The Melting Pot, 15 Calton Road
Edinburgh
EH88DL

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