The Plight of Children...

According to the United Nations Secretariat for Children and Armed Conflict, in addition to over a million children killed in armed conflict in recent years, 6 million have been rendered permanently disabled and up to a quarter of a million children are exploited as child soldiers. In the last few years in Africa alone, over 100,000 children have been used as soldiers.
Contemporary terrorism is another adult act of violence that increasingly adds to the suffering of so many children. Those who survive conflict and acts of terror can be physically maimed for life and/or emotionally haunted.
Our Foundation helps to renew the human spirit of such children.
Your support is crucial: We need your help to heal the hearts of child survivors of war and terrorist violence.
Photo Gallery...

About Renew the Spirit Foundation...

Renew the Spirit Foundation helps to heal the hearts of child survivors of war and terrorism through creative arts therapy programs. The Foundation has strong support from business, the arts and leaders from the community sector and politics. The Foundation was officially launched by the Hon. Jacinta Allan MP, Minister for Rural & Regional Development and Minister for Workforce Participation, in August 2008.

The Foundation was an initiative of Dr Phil West, who, with the support of Walter Mikac, also initiated and set up the Alannah and Madeline Foundation after the Port Arthur Massacre in 1997. The establishment of both foundations had the same genesis.

Dr West's Honours and Ph.D studies concerned the civil wars in Central America in the 1980s. During his overseas-based research, he saw at first hand the devastating physical and psychological impact of war and armed violence on individuals and communities and was especially moved by the plight of children.

After his return to Australia , he vowed that upon completion of his doctorate, he would try and set up an international organisation to support child victims of war.