Member-only story

Childhood Deployed: Remaking Child Soldiers in Sierra Leone

Darren Nelson

·11.3k Followers· Follow

Published in Susan Shepler

6 min read · 3 weeks before

265 View Claps

41 Respond

Save

Listen

A Book Review

In the annals of human history, the plight of child soldiers remains one of the most heart-wrenching and enduring legacies of conflict. These young individuals, forcibly conscripted into the ranks of warring factions, endure unimaginable horrors and bear the scars of trauma long after the guns fall silent. In the aftermath of Sierra Leone's brutal civil war, "Childhood Deployed" by journalist and author Patrick Strickland offers a powerful and deeply moving exploration of the experiences of child soldiers, their struggles for healing, and the ongoing efforts to rebuild their lives and communities.

Childhood Deployed: Remaking Child Soldiers in Sierra Leone

by Susan Shepler

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4168 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	226 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Cover Of The Book 'Childhood Deployed' Depicting A Young Girl Amidst The Ruins Of War Torn Sierra Leone Childhood Deployed: Remaking Child Soldiers In Sierra Leone

A Descent into Darkness

Sierra Leone's civil war, which spanned the late 1990s and early 2000s, was a conflict of unimaginable brutality. Rebel groups, fueled by a toxic mix of ideology and greed, terrorized civilians, committed unspeakable atrocities, and conscripted children into their ranks. These young soldiers were forced to witness and participate in horrific acts of violence, their innocence shattered in the crucible of war.

Strickland's book paints a vivid and haunting portrait of the psychological and physical horrors endured by child soldiers. He recounts the stories of young boys and girls who were forced to kill, maim, and witness unspeakable acts of cruelty. The trauma they experienced left deep wounds that would continue to torment them long after the war's end.

The Road to Recovery

In the aftermath of the war, countless child soldiers were left to fend for themselves, abandoned by their families and communities. Many struggled to cope with the emotional and psychological scars they carried, resorting to substance abuse, violence, and other destructive behaviors. However, amidst the despair, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

Strickland chronicles the efforts of dedicated individuals and organizations who worked tirelessly to help child soldiers heal and rebuild their lives. These programs provided vital support, including counseling, education, and vocational training, empowering former child soldiers to break free from their past and forge a new future.

Image Of A Young Child Soldier Receiving Counseling In A Rehabilitation Center Childhood Deployed: Remaking Child Soldiers In Sierra Leone

Triumph over Trauma

The stories of resilience that Strickland presents are both heartbreaking and inspiring. He recounts the experiences of former child soldiers who have overcome unimaginable adversity to become productive members of society. Through education, employment, and the unwavering support of their communities, they have found healing and meaning in their lives.

One such story is that of Ibrahim Bangura, a former child soldier who lost his parents and siblings during the war. After being rescued and enrolled in a rehabilitation program, Ibrahim dedicated himself to his studies and eventually became a community leader. He now travels the world sharing his story and advocating for the rights of child soldiers.

A Call to Action

"Childhood Deployed" is more than just a book; it is a powerful call to action. Strickland's work shines a light on the plight of child soldiers, a hidden tragedy that affects millions worldwide. By raising awareness of their experiences and the challenges they face, he urges us to demand an end to the use of child soldiers and support efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate these young victims of war.

Image Of Child Soldiers Participating In A Peace March Childhood Deployed: Remaking Child Soldiers In Sierra Leone

Patrick Strickland's "Childhood Deployed" is a profound and moving testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through the heart-wrenching stories of Sierra Leone's child soldiers, it sheds light on the devastating consequences of war and highlights the importance of healing and reconciliation. It is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and redemption are possible. By amplifying the voices of these young survivors, Strickland compels us to confront this global scourge and work tirelessly towards a world where no child is ever again forced to endure the horrors of war.

If you are interested in learning more about the experiences of child soldiers or supporting efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into society, I encourage you to read "Childhood Deployed" and visit the following resources:

UNICEF: Child Soldiers
Human Rights Watch: Child Soldiers
Amnesty International: Child Soldiers
War Child: What is a Child Soldier?
Child Soldiers International

Childhood Deployed: Remaking Child Soldiers in Sierra Leone

by Susan Shepler

4.2 out of 5