New Zealand
Sudan
Helping former child soldiers settle back into their communities
In South Sudan, children as young as eight have been involved in civil wars and internal conflicts. Militia and guerilla forces deliberately target children, especially children separated from their families through conflict or forced movement, or children from poor households. These children are easier to recruit because they're often hungry and the army can promise them food and water. For many children, membership into the armed forces also provides a sense of security and belonging - something highly valued by children who are otherwise left to fend for themselves.
According to UNICEF figures, there are an estimated 9,000 child soldiers in South Sudan. Given the difficulty in establishing exact numbers and the covert nature of recruitment of child soldiers, this estimate is likely to be conservative.
In February 2001 the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA) demobilised 3,480 child soldiers and moved them to community centres established by UNICEF. These community centres are designed to be a temporary place of safety for the children while they wait to be reunited with their family.
During their stay, Save the Children helps the children prepare for their return to ‘normal’ life with basic literacy training and health and life skills classes, as well as individual counselling. The fundamental aim of this work is to help them recover their status as children and to give back some of the opportunities they were denied, like education.
The reintegration of child soldiers is a complex process. Their experiences can be horrific and it is very difficult for them to settle back into communities afterwards. A lot of support and counselling is needed to help them adjust to life outside the militia, and to adjust to living in a community again. The home communities may also need support and encouragement to accept the former child soldiers back.
Save the Children New Zealand is helping to set up youth clubs for former child soldiers, especially children in remote areas who are not in school. The clubs offer children a place for recreation and fun and help with school fees, food and literacy training – things that support their reintegration into their community. Over 700 children are benefiting from these clubs.