Fireflies
by Firefly International & Friends
To mark the 30th anniversary of the end of the Bosnian War, Firefly International is proud to announce the release of a unique musical collaboration uniting children from Edinburgh and Bosnia alongside musicians from around the world. The project features a reimagined cover of Fireflies by Owl City, a song which celebrates childhood innocence and the dreams which can be a refuge in a world that feels too fast, too heavy, or too unkind.
The collaboration brings together two remarkable groups of young people: children in Edinburgh, drawn from local schools, choirs, churches, and community groups; and children in Bosnia, participants in Firefly’s peacebuilding youth programs. By lending their voices to this new version, they demonstrate how creativity and hope can bridge divides and remind us of what we share, even in a divided world.
Today, the world is facing enormous challenges, and even within our own communities we can feel more divided than ever. Young people’s voices are so often overlooked, yet they are our hope, our future, and they have so much to offer. Seeing these young singers come together has been a powerful reminder of Firefly’s mission: building peace through friendship, creativity, and shared humanity. Their voices show what’s possible when we reach across borders and choose connection over division.
Amy Stirling, Appeal Manager at Firefly International
We hope this song encourages other groups – choirs, bands, schools, and communities – to use music and creativity to bring people together and help make the world a kinder, more hopeful place.
This song could not have been made without the creativity and support of some incredible contributors:
- Music Producer: Tomekeeper Productions
- Oud: Marco Sollazo
- Clarsach: Sam Maya McAdam
- Choir Leader (Edinburgh): Sally Jaquet
- Musical Leaders (Bosnia): Sanjin & Dina Vosanovic
- Filming & Editing: Napier University Film and TV Student placement team
- Recording Studio: Terminal One Youth Centre
- Sponsorship: Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative
Get involved
Are you part of a choir, band school or community group? Firefly can provide musical and teaching resources so you can create your own version of the track and join a movement of young people singing for peace and unity. Children like St John's RC who learnt and performed the song as part of their Christmas Concert. Watch the video here.
Can you help us?
Firefly International supports children affected by war providing creative education and peacebuilding projects that empower children in Bosnia, Syria and among Palestinian refugees, to build a brighter future out of conflict. Our work is only possible through the support of dedicated individuals who believe no child deserves to be forgotten. Please consider supporting Firefly today.