Working with Child Soldiers

More than 30,000 children (girls and boys) have been directly conscripted into armed groups in a conflicts that have been raging in DRC since 1998. Many were abducted from their homes or schools but others joined the militias voluntarily or were forced to join by their families. Children as young as ten have been used as soldiers, cooks, porters and spies by leaders who often subjected them to physical and sexual abuse.

For those children who are able to leave life has not always been much better. Left to fend for themselves due to the inadequacies of demobilisation programmes, they face serious problems reintegrating with their families and communities.

We work with two groups of children who have found life outside these armed groups particularly challenging. The first have found themselves unable to return home and unable to reconnect with their families. The second have left the militia with children of their own to look after.

These two groups find themselves in an extremely challenging situation. Their families see them as a economic burden that they are unable to support and as a result they are forced to survive through crime and illegal activities.

War Child is helping those children who have children of their own to reintegrate themselves by enabling them to generate their own income in a way that does not burden their families. War Child has achieved this through the provision of cash grants. These grants have allowed children to start small businesses that should guarantee them an income in the future. Alongside local community figures and artisans War Child was able to advise on effective business ideas.

Some bought animals or fishing equipment while others purchased bikes to run "taxi-bike" services in the town. The success of these businesses has helped the children begin to establish themselves in their community and learn skills that will help them in the future. 90% of the children who received grants are still continuing with their chosen livelihood activities.

We are currently hoping to expand the project to other groups formerly involved with the army and militia.