Firefly works to build peace in divided communities around the world by supporting children and young people from different backgrounds to form friendships and mutual respect. It brings young people together in positive, fun and life-affirming activities ranging from music-making to theatre groups. These young people go on to become ambassadors for peace within their own families and communities both now and as adults. In this way Firefly is tackling conflict now as well as planting the seeds of peace for the future.
Ellie Constable Maxwell Courtney, founder of Firefly International, died on 6th April 2009 at the age of 32. In November, her family and friends are holding a benefit evening for 500 guests of all ages, in order to raise money for Ellie's last project: the building of Firefly's own multi-ethnic youth centre in Brcko, Bosnia-Herzegovina. This centre, the creation of which was Ellie's final wish, would aims to make Firefly International largely self-supporting in Brcko.