War Child Canada (WCC) is a registered Canadian charity that provides humanitarian assistance to children and youth affected by war. WCC works with local partners to implement sustainable projects that focus on children's rights and protection, education, livelihoods and HIV/AIDS in over ten war-affected communities in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Cross-cutting themes such as gender and peace building figure strongly in WCC's programming. A vital component of WCC's overseas programming is the development of strong, respectful partnerships with local communities and organizations. By building sustainable projects and supporting local partner capacity, WCC is able to ensure the delivery of appropriate and effective humanitarian and development projects. Below is an update on three of WCC's projects in Darfur, Ethiopia and northern Uganda.

WCC in Darfur The WCC Darfur Humanitarian Relief Project is located in West Darfur, specifically in El Geneina town and 4 IDP camps (Ardamata, Dorti, Krinding & Riyad). The project, implemented by our local partner St. Vincent de Paul Society Sudan, aims to strengthen children's and youth's capacity to meet their basic needs by providing vocational and literacy/numeracy training as well as health and sanitation training. Project activities take place in WCC-constructed centers in each of the 4 camps. The centers provide a safe and secure place for children and youth to access support and to participate in recreational activities, such as football and volleyball, which contribute to improved emotional and physical health. Despite the on-going conflict and the destitute living conditions, the communities and partners involved contribute greatly to the on-going success of this project.

WCC in Ethiopia The Ethiopia AIDS Orphans Development Project implemented in collaboration with our partners' People to People Ethiopia has now entered its second phase. Having successfully provided 53 heads of household with access to vocational training, 33 second eldest children have been identified and are being enrolled into vocational training programs. In the meantime, all younger siblings are given the necessary materials and support required to pursue formal education. All 300 children involved with the project are given support with rent, food and some basic household materials. In addition, all children are provided with access to an extensive recreational program, HIV/AIDS education, as well as medical and psychosocial services. As a result of their participation in this project these households are en route to becoming more self-sufficient and productive members of society. A recent field visit allowed us to meet many of the children and observe the overall impact the project has had to date.

Northern Uganda With generous funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), WCC is working in partnership with the Ugandan Law Society Legal Aid Project (LAP) in Gulu, to provide direct legal aid to both children and youth. WCC and LAP are also implementing programs that promote - to both children and communities - greater awareness and understanding of children's rights. The Legal Aid Project is also providing training to local legal structures, including the police, probation and welfare officers, and local courts on their roles and responsibilities to protect these rights.

Just recently, WCC participated in Guluwalk, a fundraiser which initially began in support of the child night commuters in northern Uganda. On 21 October 2006, 30,000 people in 82 cities and 15 countries took to the streets to urge the world to support peace in northern Uganda. The money raised by Guluwalk will allow WCC to continue their vital work in the Gulu district of northern Uganda.

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