From Field Worker to Marketing Director at War Child Holland | Perspectives with Ernst Suur (War Child Holland)
Perspectives with Ernst Suur
Director Marketing and Fundraising
at War Child Holland
Around the world, there are currently 160 million children growing up with the consequences of war. Our new guest Ernst Suur has worked for the past 18 years with the international NGO War Child to make a change in the lives of children. First as a field worker in conflict-affected territories, now as Director of Marketing and Fundraising here in the Netherlands.
“We help children to break with the feeling of hopelessness, strengthening their dignity, giving them the opportunity to forgive themselves, empower them, go back to school, and break the cycle of violence.”
Having visited Uganda as a teenager during an exchange programme, Ernst became fascinated with the strength and resilience of street children, inspiring him to pursue studies into the effects of sport and recreation on young people’s experiences with trauma. His research drew the attention of War Child Holland, resulting in a professional (and personal) journey of purpose, passion and trying to make an impact.
Ernst travelled to war zones and refugee camps, meeting children whose lives have been drastically impacted by conflict and giving them an opportunity to learn, play and discover their full potential, seemingly against all odds. Now on the marketing side, Ernst continues those efforts through a number of visual campaigns, fundraisers and ambassador activations, focusing strongly on the psychological and emotional repercussions experienced by children affected by war.
“The children that are fleeing from war zones are coming to a safe place, but they don’t feel safe at all. There is very little (help) for children to overcome what happens to them in war and to be able to deal with all the trauma.”
In an engrossing and moving conversation, Ernst shares his anecdotes from working in the field, explains the unique approach that War Child has towards its marketing, discusses the obstacles presented by the global pandemic and shares his insight on what we can all do to make organisations like War Child no longer necessary.
“You can give a child a bed to sleep in, but if you are still awake every night because of nightmares, you can’t grow up as a healthy human being. ”
Tune in to our conversation with Ernst and get inspired to take action.