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Rise Phoenix works with different communities, age groups, different places and event different countries, but the response to the work is similar no matter where in the world!

“The children need fun, workshops, games, talks and understanding, all the things you do with them. It helps them enormously not to feel lost and empty. They are severly damaged by the war and they like to have someone caring for them, someone pointing them in a new direction in life - to forget terrible things and start with things that are beautiful and joyful.”
Gordana Boskovic, Headmistress, 13 Rujan Primary, Jajce, Bosnia

"By the performance even those who struggle with their confidence were able to step forward with strength and confidence, greatly building their self-esteem. “
Claire Lardner-Burke – Recruitment Co-ordinator and Workshop Facilitator

“I am always pleasantly impressed when coming across organisations which are dedicated to the same details as the Red Cross: care for the most vulnerable... Rise Phoenix brought sun into the children's eyes and smiles on their faces...”
Daniel Prewitt, Head of the Red Cross Delegation, Sarajevo

“The three best things were the gardening, sleeping in tents and the very healthy food. I never knew that healthy food could be so nice. The things I didn’t like were the spiders and the stinging nettles.”
Merse, aged 12

“I believe totally and whole-heartedly in the excellence and spirit of Rise Phoenix and think it has the capacity to truly help and heal young and damaged people.”
Emma Thompson, actress

"The residents feel the mosaic project has had a really positive effect on their community environment. It makes the Estate look nice, then people don't want to mess with it! Anything that brightens up the place and keeps the kids off the streets is worthwhile."
Silla Carran (Clarence Way TA - Chair)

“Rise Phoenix gave real joy to some 500 children in Pristina... The show ended with a valuable pantomime designed to warn the children about the perils lurking in anti-personnel landmines... Rise Phoenix, sponsored by UNICEF merits support “
Lord Deeds, Daily Telegraph, London, July 1999

"I thank all the staff who made it possible for us to come here and experience Nature. I learned a lot, especially that we could live without Hi-Tech resources and still enjoy ourselves. I made lots of new friends and experienced lots of new things".
Faheem, aged 14

“Its wonderful to play with you. I feel like I'm in a big dream. We will always remember you... Thanks."
Anita Ninic aged 9, Brac Refugee Camp, Croatia

"It was an extraordinary time. Visiting the camps out the horror and tragedy of war directly in ones's face byt at the smea time the gift of fun and magic that Rise Phoenix brought to the children showed that the beauty of human spirit is always available. The whole experience was very immediate and real. What was being given was joy and a sense of wonder in a time of darkness. Everything that Rise Phoenix gave was met fully by the children. Their lit up faces said it all."
Linus Roach, actor, 1999

"Mosaics are brilliant. I don't want this to end, can we do another one? This keeps us off the streets and gives us something positive to do".
Clarence Way Child

“It was a really exhilarating period in school. The children who worked with you regarded their week as most special... I have no doubt that this time provided great educational benefit to all the pupils.”
Jon Bliss, Head Teacher, Kirlington Primary, Oxfordshire