The Sierra Leone War Trust for Children was formed in April 1999, by seven Sierra Leoneans, living and working in the UK. This was in response to the atrocities committed against children in Sierra Leone, during the country's ten year civil war. The Trustees are committed to improving the welfare of war-affected children and work for the Trust on a voluntary basis.

The founders of SLWT wanted to help these children and youth but wanted to do so in a manner that ensured that their efforts would have a direct, effective and tangible impact on those young lives.  The founders did not want to create an administrative machinery that would be costly to run (as this would divert funds to office, transport, salary etc costs) and away from the people on the ground).  SLWT therefore partners with existing credible Sierra Leonean organisations which already have the logistics and administrative machinery in place.  That way SLWT can channel its funds directly to its projects.  SLWT’s trustees serve the organisation on a voluntary basis.

All projects are community led and SLWT provides financial and technical support.