470 million children worldwide have been impacted by war, violence, or armed conflict! An Amsterdam based NGO called War Child has as its mission to ameliorate the suffering of children who have been directly impacted by armed conflicts.

War Child works in at least 26 countries around the world and has a suite of interventions whose aim is to help these children. We focus on one of eleven direct interventions called “Team Up”. It is a play-based group of exercises led by a team leader that has been deployed in places like Ukraine, Uganda and Gaza.

Using a non-verbal cross-cultural model, the intervention hopes to bring a sense of security and stability and fun for kids aged 6-16. By teaching movement, dance, breathing exercises, and play, the intervention focuses on reducing stress and externalities that could impact each and every child.

War Child uses hard science and data collection to make sure the Team Up intervention has impact in either 12 or 24 sessions. So far, the data shows remarkable improvement in the children’s health and mental state – a lowering of stress, better attitudes towards those around them, and an improved outlook about life. It is an amazing and unique journey for all those involved – both the facilitators, as well as those receiving the intervention – the children of armed conflict!