Alongside musicians from around the world, the project has brought together children in Edinburgh, drawn from local schools, choirs, churches and community groups and children in Bosnia who are part of peacebuilding youth programmes run by Edinburgh charity Firefly International.
The project features a reimagined cover of Fireflies by Owl City, a song celebrated as a metaphor for childhood innocence – a dreamlike refuge in a world that can feel too fast, too heavy or too unkind.
By lending their voices to this new version, they are demonstrating how creativity and hope can bridge divides and remind people of what is shared, according to Amy Stirling, Firefly’s appeal manager.
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“Today, the world is facing many challenges – even within our own communities, we are more divided than ever,” she said.
“Young people’s voices are so often not heard, but they are our hope and our future and they have so much to contribute.
“We wanted to create an opportunity for children to express themselves through a song that celebrates peace, collaboration and unity.
“We hope this song inspires other groups – like bands, choirs and schools – to use music and creativity to connect with others and help make the world a better place.”
Eight-year-old Muso, from Edinburgh, took part in the project and said: “Peace would mean that if there was a war going on, there would be harmony and rejoicing between the two groups at war.”
Twelve-year-old Alek, from Edinburgh, added: “Singing helps your mood and energy level, and we certainly felt this. I was happy to spend time supporting Firefly as I think they are a genuinely great charity.”
Firefly International works to support children affected by war, recognising the long-lasting trauma faced by its youngest survivors.
Partnering with local organisations in Bosnia, Syria and among Palestinian refugees in Cairo,
Firefly provides education, mental health support and peacebuilding initiatives tailored to the needs of war-affected children.
“Today, our mission is more vital than ever because the world is becoming increasingly dangerous for children affected by war,” said Stirling.
The new cover of Fireflies will be released on Wednesday, with a music video showcasing the young participants.
“The project celebrates hope, unity and the power of children’s voices to inspire change, marking three decades since peace returned to Bosnia,” said Firefly’s appeal manager Amy Stirling.