child soldiers
All stories about child soldiers
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Colombia: The war on child soldier recruitment begins at school June 22, 2012
Last month was especially busy as I organized field visits to our child soldier prevention and reintegration program.
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Colombia: Reclaiming children of war May 14, 2012
As many as 14,000 children are fighting in Colombia's armed conflict. Each year, hundreds are rescued or escape — but it's too risky to return home. Mercy Corps is helping them start over.
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Colombia: Helping fellow soldiers back from battle: Adriana's fresh start May 11, 2012
Helping former child soldiers rejoin society is familiar territory for Adriana. She was raised by her uncle in a small village where armed insurgents operated openly.
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Colombia: Capture or surrender earns second chance May 8, 2012
Child soldiers in Colombia escape the front lines one of two ways: by turning themselves in, or being rescued in battle. Most come from the countryside, where schools and jobs are scarce, and join an armed group as a way to escape poverty.
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Colombia: Picturing yesterday, today and tomorrow May 1, 2012
Former child soldiers in Colombia created these drawings as part of our program that helps them reintegrate into society after fighting in illegal armed groups.
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Colombia: Armed for a new life March 15, 2012
Six weeks ago, 16-year-old Juliana was fighting for the guerrillas in the Colombian countryside. Today she's one of 29 teenage ex-combatants living in a residential neighborhood of Cali, the country's third-largest city, learning how to get her life back on track.