Nairobi, 11 February, 2021 / 10:15 pm (ACI Africa).
On the occasion of the International day against the Use of Child Soldiers also known as Red Hand Day, marked February 12, Salesian Missions have highlighted various initiatives that support the reintegration of the young fighters.
In a report shared with ACI Africa, the Director of the U.S. development arm of the Religious Institute of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), Fr. Gus Baek says, “Children utilized in hostilities and war have faced unimaginable violence and abuses and need our support to have a second chance in life.”
Fr. Baek adds that in countries around the globe, the missionaries work with former child soldiers so that they "may overcome the traumas of war and reintegrate into society."
In Liberia, officials of the U.S-based development agency are facilitating the rehabilitation of former child soldiers and assisting young women to overcome education barriers.
“Salesian programs in Liberia are providing youth the opportunity to live up to their potential through both academic and social programs," Fr. Baek says in the report shared with ACI Africa ahead of the February 12 annual event.