WCCF co-founders (from left to right) Datuk Dr Clement Tan, Linda Wong, and Datuk Koh Mui Tee, at the launch. Photo: World War Children Care Foundation
The World War Children Care Foundation was started for children who are victims of conflicts and war. The non-profit organisation was co-founded by educator and entrepreneur-philanthropist Linda Wong who feels that innocent children should not become the victims of conflicts that are mostly "driven by human nature and the complexity of regional border relations".
"WCCF's primary goal is to utilise all available resources to help children who have lost their parents and suffered trauma in war-torn conflict zones. In addition to providing essential supplies, we also plan to offer these children educational opportunities so that their physical and mental well-being can be taken care of holistically," says Wong, who is also special advisor to the National Council of Unesco and vice president of the China Private Education Association.
She adds that the joint-initiative with Datuk Dr Clement Tan and Datuk Koh Mui Tee, is one of her most meaningful attempts to give back to society.
"Our primary mission is to rescue these children from conflict zones and place them in secure homes with proper education opportunities to that they can grow up well and one day return to their respective countries and contribute to their communities in the future," she says.
Wong (right) with Tan at the launch. Photo: World War Children Care FoundationWCCF aims to achieve this through the "Dove Aid Operation" (DAO), a programme scheduled to launch in 2024.
"The programme involves identifying the most critical rescue areas; forming teams comprising medical professionals, social workers, and committed volunteers; as well as delivering vital supplies, including food, medicine, and bedding," explains Wong.
"Additionally, we will implement a secure and comprehensive strategy to safely evacuate children from such conflict zones, offering them an ongoing education and specialised curriculum to address and heal their psychological trauma," she adds.
According to Wong, evacuating these children from conflict zones is just the initial phase.
"Our plan is to establish International Humanitarian War Children Schools in Malaysia and China. It's our vision is to welcome children from varied backgrounds, diverse races, religions, and cultures. These schools will adopt the Caring Education Curriculum, guided by experts from the established Yihai Education Group. This will assist the children to overcome the psychological trauma they have endured, nurture confidence, and rekindle their optimism towards life."
At the launch graced by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry's Director General of the Children's Division Wan Noraidah Wan Mohd Zain, the foundation also appointed representatives for its chapters in Malaysia, China, Serbia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Hong Kong and Taipei.
