Once a child becomes a soldier, people believe that there is no way to turn their violent views around. This fact however, is false. Ishamel Beah is an ideal example of a reformed child soldier. While he admits to initialy resenting those who rescued him from war, he also explains that with guidence, help, and kindness he was able to become a better person. Sending Beah away to a prison would never have made that possible. He is now an award-winning author and UNICEF’s first Advocate for Children Affected by War. Another example of a reformed child soldier is Khadr LAST NAME. While Khadr was initially placed in the dention camp of Guantanamo, “Khadr has never been violent at Guantanamo and that the camp where he is housed is reserved for the
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The article, “Armed & Underage,” by Jeffrey Genttleman, states that adolecsent boys “are purchased, kidnapped, or terroized into joining the country’s army.” Many child soldiers were forced into the world of war. As for other boys, some children have no other choice but the join the army. “Children do not have many options in Somalia. After the government collapsed in 1991, an entire generation was let loose on the streets. Most children have never been in a classroom or played in a park. Their growth has been stunted by conflict-induced famines, their psyches damaged by all the killings they have witnessed.” ( “Armed & Underage” by Jeffrey Gettleman) Living in a war-torn country denies children other, better options. These damaged boys face poverty and hunger and are eager to recieve even the smallest pay given for being a soldier, all reasonable judgement set aside. Additionally, many of these children have had major family complications, whether it be abuse, or their death. “Betwee 12 & 13 my family was killed.” states Ishmael Beah. Another young boy recalls being abandoned by his parents before the age of seven. Another previos child soldier was abused by his father. Some parents even sell their own children into
The article, “Armed & Underage,” by Jeffrey Genttleman, states that adolecsent boys “are purchased, kidnapped, or terroized into joining the country’s army.” Many child soldiers were forced into the world of war. As for other boys, some children have no other choice but the join the army. “Children do not have many options in Somalia. After the government collapsed in 1991, an entire generation was let loose on the streets. Most children have never been in a classroom or played in a park. Their growth has been stunted by conflict-induced famines, their psyches damaged by all the killings they have witnessed.” ( “Armed & Underage” by Jeffrey Gettleman) Living in a war-torn country denies children other, better options. These damaged boys face poverty and hunger and are eager to recieve even the smallest pay given for being a soldier, all reasonable judgement set aside. Additionally, many of these children have had major family complications, whether it be abuse, or their death. “Betwee 12 & 13 my family was killed.” states Ishmael Beah. Another young boy recalls being abandoned by his parents before the age of seven. Another previos child soldier was abused by his father. Some parents even sell their own children into