OF all the subjects covered in First News, the plight of children around the world affected by conflicts has really grabbed the hearts of readers.  They told us they wanted to do something to help children, just like them who are being affected by conflicts.  So First News has teamed up with Save the Children and the Department for International Development to bring you the Conflict Children campaign.

Millions of children around the world are affected by conflict.  Their normal lives are disrupted, often leaving them with little to eat, no access to healthcare, or education.  They may become separated from their families and, with their homes destroyed, many become refugees.  Readers told us they wanted to do something to help children, just like them, who are being affected by conflicts, particularly the 200,000 to 300,000 children in more than 20 countries who are direct participants in war.  We call them child soldiers.  Actually they are denied a childhood and are subjected to horrific violence we cannot begin to imagine.

The Campaign will run throughout the 2008-9 academic year and the aim is to involve every school in the UK.  It is supported by an educational resource pack devised for 7-14 year olds.  By taking part in the campaign children in the UK will gain an understanding of some of the causes and effects of conflict, how conflict can be prevented, and how resolution and recovery can be brought about.

They will also play their own part in helping to change the world for children affected by conflict.  By joining the campaign, each school will sign a letter of support to Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development, and David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, calling for an end to the use of child soldiers and protection for all children from the effects of conflict. First News will ask the UK government to share the views of UK children wherever possible during the next year.

“This is a crucial issue for the future of our planet and we will be working closely with First News and Save the Children to make sure the voices of British children are heard around the world.”
Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development

"Sadly, wars affect millions of people around the world.  But it is particularly sad when children are the victims of war – when they lose their parents, their homes, or even their lives.  This campaign highlights the important issue of children damaged by conflict.  It is a great opportunity for British children to learn about the issue and to find out what they can do to help."
David Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs