About Us
Firefly was founded in 1998 as a small youth arts project using creativity and collaboration to overcome the deep wounds of the Bosnian war. Since then Firefly has grown to support children whose lives have been affected by war and its aftermath in a number of countries.
We work with local educators and innovators, people who know what is needed on the ground, to ensure our work has the greatest impact. Based in the UK and run by a part time team with active volunteers and trustees, we monitor and support the organisations to whom we donate money.
Our Story
1995
Ellie Maxwell, Firefly’s founder, travelled to post-war Bosnia and started a youth project for displaced children in Mostar. Ellie Maxwell (1977–2009) was a social activist with grace, wit, and purpose. At 21, she founded Firefly International, a Scottish charity supporting multi-ethnic youth projects in Bosnia and beyond.
1998
Ellie was approached by UNHCR to set up a community strengthening youth centre offering creative arts and language workshops, events, and summer camps for the children of Brčko in North-Eastern Bosnia. Firefly was born.2003
Firefly Youth Project in Brcko became Svitac (Bosnian for “Firefly”, pronounced “Sveetatz”) locally managed and registered in Bosnia-Herzegovina, under the leadership of Gordana. Firefly’s operations in the UK become Firefly International, a Scottish charity.
2009
Ellie, Firefly’s fearless founder died aged 32, of complications from cancer. Ellie is remembered as a quietly spoken social activist with a grace, laconic wit, and purposefulness that guided her life and work. She was dedicated to the charity she founded at just 21 and her mission is to foster multi‐ethnic youth projects in Bosnia and elsewhere.2011
The Ellie Maxwell Centre was opened in Brcko, a milestone for Svitac as friends and family come together to secure permanent office space, furthering the charities development.
2013
Firefly partners with Project Hope in Nablus, Palestine expanding its impact to children affected by war in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and signalling a new commitment to helping more children across the world.2014
Firefly International becomes a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) and opens its first office in Edinburgh.
2016
In response to the ever growing need of the Syrian refugee community Firefly founded a new project for Syrian children in Turkey providing trauma informed education. The project starts in Antakya with 25 children and one member of staff.2019
Firefly begins a new partnership with ACT International and IMET2000 in Gaza providing a much needed locally-led trauma clinic for children suffering from PTSD.
2023
The Syria Turkey earthquake devastates Firefly’s operations in Southern Turkey. In response a record breaking fundraising campaign ensures the project can rebuild and reach the many more children who need Firefly’s support.2023
The events of October 7th and subsequent war in Gaza forces the closure of the child trauma clinic. Firefly remains committed to supporting our staff and the children of Gaza however possible.
2025
A new partnership is established with Cairo based organisation Afhad Al Zaytoun supporting child refugees from Gaza by providing education, therapy, and activities otherwise not available to them.Want to be part of the story?
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