Firefly’s Winter Newsletter 2025
December 17, 2025
As the year draws to a close, we want to send a heartfelt thank you for being part of what has been a year of real change, growth, and milestones for Firefly. In this update, we’re excited to share highlights from our projects, celebrate some incredible fundraisers from 2025, and introduce our newly released Fireflies cover song – a beautiful collaboration between children in Edinburgh and Bosnia, showing the power of creativity to bring us together across borders. We hope you enjoy it!
Svitac (Firefly in Bosnia)
This year, Svitac and Firefly marked a truly special milestone: 30 years since our founder, Ellie Maxwell, first established Svitac. What began as a small playgroup where children could come together across divides – to play, learn and make friends – has grown into something extraordinary.
This anniversary was celebrated with a deeply moving visit from Ellie’s friends and family, who travelled to see the living continuation of her vision. Today, Svitac is a thriving community hub, welcoming children from all ethnicities and backgrounds, and remains a vital part of local life.
Three decades of work with young people have allowed Svitac to reach countless children and young adults with a message of peace, creativity and friendship – a powerful counterpoint to increasingly divisive politics. With the arts at the heart of this work, Firefly International and Svitac have collaborated this year on something truly special: a music track and video uniting children from Bosnia and Edinburgh in a heart-warming new rendition of Fireflies by Owl City. Click play above to watch and enjoy. We are calling on schools, choirs and community groups to get involved and create their own version of the song using our musical and learning resources. Please get in touch if you might like to find out more.
Firefly for Syrians
This year marked an important step forward for Firefly in Syria, with the registration of the organisation and the opening of our HQ in Latakia. Yet the reality on the ground remains extremely challenging. During a recent visit, our Project Director Maria Chambers witnessed widespread devastation, ongoing economic hardship, and the deep trauma carried by families after years of conflict.
Amid these difficulties, she also saw moments of joy and hope. Children entering a Firefly classroom experience a safe, bright, and colourful space designed to give them the best possible start in life.
Maria met staff and trainee teachers who, after years as refugees, have returned home determined to help rebuild Syria and committed to giving children the opportunity to receive a high-quality education.
Firefly’s programmes in rural northern Syria and Latakia City are unique, providing schooling and workshops for children who would otherwise have access only to the most basic education. Yet the need far exceeds what we can currently provide – waiting lists are growing, and many children are desperate to join our classrooms. In this challenging funding environment, your support is more urgent than ever to ensure no child misses out on the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive.
Firefly for Palestinians
This year, the Afhad Al Zeytoun team responded with remarkable flexibility to the changing situation in Gaza, shifting their focus to support the most vulnerable medical evacuee children.
By working more intensively with smaller groups, operating six days a week, and introducing outdoor wellbeing days alongside a new Palestinian identity and culture class, the team is seeing real improvements in children’s wellbeing, confidence, and learning.
At Firefly International, we continue to monitor developments in Gaza closely and stay in regular contact with our colleagues on the ground. We very much hope to return to the region when it is safe to do so and continue supporting the children who need us most.
Fundraising for Firefly
We have been truly blown away by the generosity and creativity of our supporters this year. Every contribution makes a difference, and we wanted to highlight a few particularly inspiring examples of the many ways people have supported Firefly:
- Julia, who donated the proceeds from the sale of a litter of very sweet Lurcher puppies
- The Rev Nick Blair, who wrote a fascinating book about Merchiston Old Boys called up to fight in WW1, splitting the proceeds between Firefly International and a veterans’ charity.
- Clemmie, who organised a pub quiz in London, bringing together over 30 friends and raising a fantastic sum
- Craig from 45b Design, who generously volunteered his time to design and build the new Firefly website
- Mary, who ran the Edinburgh Half Marathon just a few days before her 70th Birthday
- Families who supported Firefly through in-memory collections at a time of bereavement
- St John’s RC Primary School, who fundraised for Firefly at their International Children’s Day Concert
These incredible efforts show just a few of the creative ways there are to support children through Firefly, and we are so grateful to everyone who contributes time, energy, and generosity.
Gifting with Firefly
Looking for a different kind of Christmas gift?
Give a Firefly donation this Christmas and help children access creative lessons, play, and learning opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. You’ll receive a simple e-card to share with your loved one, letting them know they’ve made a real difference.
