An African refugee who fled to England after members of his family were murdered is appealing for support for a art project to help children who have been traumatised by civil war in Uganda.

David Odwar left the central African country when he was 12 after his brother was kidnapped and members of his family were killed during clashes between the government and the Lord's Resistance Army rebel group.

Despite becoming an internationally acclaimed sculptor after settling in Oxfordshire, he has never forgotten those he left behind.

He has co-founded an organisation called Through Art Keep Smiling (Taks), based in Merton, near Bicester, with the aim of helping displaced children find hope for the future through art.

He said: "For 19 years the people of northern Uganda have been the victims of a cruel civil war between the government and the Lord's Resistance Army, which pillages, rapes and forcibly abducts children, some as young as eight years old, in order to recruit them into its military ranks or to give teenage girls as wives to the commanders.

"The result is there is no end in sight to the horror and some 1.6 million people are eking out a miserable existence in internally displaced people's camps, with a loss of their livelihoods and the fear that if they were to return home they would be attacked by the LRA."

He added: "Art has always been a deep-rooted cultural tradition for the Acholi people. Though it they can express many feelings, dreams and visions. In times of trouble, art has helped them come to terms with their situation, to express hopes for the future and to keep alive the artistic values of their culture."

Taks wants to raise funds to lease a building in Gulu to become an art centre. A down payment of £7,500 is needed as well as cash to renovate the building. Mr Odwar said: "We urgently need support and we are appealing for readers to help us."

Donations, of money, skills, materials or equipment are also welcome. To make a donation, contact Susan Morris, 1 The Orchard, Merton, or call Mr Odwar for more information on 01865 331677 or go to www.taks.org.uk

Taks is also working on promoting friendship and exchanges with schools in Oxfordshire. Headington Preparatory School pupils have been exchanging letters with children in Uganda and Mr Odwar has visited the school and conducted African arts workshops.

A Ugandan arts evening at Oxford Community School this week raised almost £1,000 for Taks.