Children and women are the most vulnerable to the effects of war. Between 1998 and 2003, the LRA armed conflict against Government of Uganda had escalated and for the safety of children, several NGOs operating in the region established night commuter shelters where the children would leave their homes in the evenings for the night commuter shelters and then return to their homes in the morning. Upon return, they had to prepare to go to school, return by 2pm. In some cases, the same children had to accompany their parents to the garden for a short while then proceed to school.

In other cases, they missed school on certain days of the week or ended up abducted by the LRA. Because of this kind of life, the children barely had access to education and health services, had limited livelihoods, and largely dependent on food served shelters; yet these children were expected to compete in every aspect with children from other parts of Uganda and the world for a bright future.

The founders first registered CoWF as community-based initiative in Kitgum district in 2006 and later in 2020 upgraded to a national NGO, Headquartered in Kitgum District, with operations across the Acholi Sub-Region. With established offices in Kitgum and Lamwo districts, a skilled team, and a dedicated Board, COWF is well-equipped to implement and oversee transformative projects.

In the minds of the founders, they had the deep conviction that these children in Northern Uganda, experiencing negative effects of the LRA/Government of Uganda war deserve to live their full potential and thrive just like any other children in the World - hence the name Children of the World Foundation (CoWF) and the accompanying Vision, Mission statements and scope of work.