Jamie Williams - War Child

Jamie Williams - War Child

Jamie Williams, son of Rotarian Julie Williams, was this week’s guest speaker at Rotary Elgin. Jamie completed a degree in International Relations before studying for his Masters degree in International Development at Glasgow University.

Jamie enthralled members with the story of his journey into International Development through volunteering in Tanzania working with schools to his current work for War Child.

War Child International is a network of three independent non-governmental organisations:  War Child UK, War Child Holland and War Child Canada, each legally, operationally and financially independent but sharing a common brand identity and mission to support children and young people affected by armed conflict and war. They work with parents, caregivers, community members, NGOs, governments, corporates and other partners worldwide to ensure children have access to protection, education and psychosocial support. War Child is an inclusive, non-discriminatory organisation and has its work rooted in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

 Their vision states “War Child works towards a world in which no child’s life is torn apart by war. Armed conflict is a reality for millions of children today. War Child is committed to supporting these children to overcome their experiences, and have a real chance at a better future. Children and young people have a right to grow up free from fear and violence, to develop to their full potential and contribute to a peaceful future – for themselves and for their communities. Because no child should be part of war. Ever”.

War Child UK currently focuses on 6 countries - the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen and Uganda. They have 400 staff globally with approximately 60 based in London.

Jamie presented some stark facts about the scope of the need and the challenges this presents eg War Child have been involved in Afghanistan since 2002 and where reality is that 14 million people require assistance, even before the withdrawal of US and UK troops. Jamie spoke positively about the War Child Football Club that gets young people together in a safe space despite the conflict.

Jamie’s role is to work with teams based in these countries of conflict and provide operational support to develop these projects in war-torn countries, to source funding and resources to set up and support these programmes.

Priority areas are always based on a needs assessment to determine the requirement and whether the organisation is best placed to assist.

Jamie’s presentation gave us a real insight into the frightening reality of the plight of millions of children and young people.

For more information on the wonderful work of War Child see their website https://www.warchild.org.uk/home