War Child in the News
War Child is an expert on children living with the effects of armed conflict. Creativity and music are at the heart of many of our programmes - and were also central to many of our media activities over the course of the year.
For 20 years we have been proud to call Marco Borsato - perhaps the most popular performer in the Netherlands - our Goodwill Ambassador. Marco has tirelessly promoted our work for two decades - and December saw him celebrate his jubilee with a special fundraising concert in Amsterdam’s Royal Theatre Carré.
The event raised almost €200,000 - and Marco was an ever-present in Dutch media during the run-up to the event. In 2018 - as with every year - we were beyond grateful that he continues to make such an enormous contribution to our cause.
Ballet superstar - and War Child Ambassador - Michaela DePrince (see picture above) visited our programme in Lebanon. These visits saw our flagship programme Can’t Wait to Learn featured in the pages of style bible Elle around the world!
The year also saw Can’t Wait to Learn scoop the public award for Best Humanitarian Intervention at the annual Dutch Coalition for Humanitarian Innovation awards.
Our annual TV special Jij&Ik voor War Child returned in November. The third edition featured reports from our programmes around the world and unique performances from children and their parents. Marco and fellow War Child Ambassador Tooske Ragas co-hosted the event - at the end of which we were able to support an extra 22,187 children living with the effects of armed conflict.
TeamUp - our coalition programme in support of refugee children in the Netherlands - was also in the headlines throughout 2018. Utrecht Central Station - the busiest rail hub in the Netherlands - played host to our 'SpeelGOEDwinkel' during the first three months of the year.
The SpeelGOEDwinkel pop-up store - opened by War Child ambassador Victor Reinier andUNICEF Netherlands ambassador Klaas van Kruistum - saw politicians and 2,358 visitors experience for themselves the recreational activities designed to boost the inner strength of children and youth.
We also worked to call attention to the children affected by the Syrian crisis. September saw the launch of our ‘Warcast’ in partnership with Spotify, DJ Michiel Veenstra and Irish artist Damien Rice. The 3D podcast hit platforms on the International Day of Peace (September 21) and told the moving stories of children living in the midst of war.
Back to the Future - our coalition project to provide education to refugee and vulnerable children in Lebanon and Jordan - was the subject of a moving photospread in the Guardian during November.
The year as a whole saw us reach out to new audiences and share our story in new and innovative ways. This wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of our many ambassadors, spokespeople and volunteers in the Netherlands and beyond - efforts for which we remain truly grateful.