| During the last decade, all warring factions in Sierra Leone have enlisted children - and we mean here as young as 12 and up - in their ranks. Furthermore, thousands have been abducted by the rebel of RUF (Revolutionary United Front) and forcibly kept in the bush while being trained first and then successfully exploited as combatants or slave workers. The same happened for young girls who were abducted, often raped and lived sometimes for years serving as sexual slaves or "married" to self-appointed RUF commanders. Now, and since a few months, an increasing number of these children are being released or succeed in escaping the brutal ruling of the rebels. As soon as whatever "release" is noticed, UNICEF - which estimates conflict in Sierra Leone has generated at least 5000 children soldiers, does its outmost to bring these children to Freetown, where a few organizations - notably COOPI, italian, Milan-based NGO, and FHM (Family House Movement) a relief charity run by 68 years old Father Berton and Rev. Chema Caballero., who helped more than 1300 children since their debut in 1997. These children - who have sometimes spent as long as 5 - 6 years in the bush - get sheltered and undergo a rehabilitation / reeducation program which can last up to months. They get through schooling schedule whose goal is to upgrade them at least to a normal-to-their age school level. Girls, in huge majority carrying babies or who just delivered one, are taught soap-making or hairdressing which makes them a little bit more skilled and job - capable. The final step is accomplished when these children get back to their villages and their families, as soon as any is found available. |
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56062
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56175 COOPI Calaba Town center for abducted girls / mothers
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| 56401 Rev. Chema Caballero, Spanish, with Matteo frontini, COOPI Project Officer |
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| 56169 Shortly after breast-feeding her 7 months old baby, this mother, 16, provides him also some just cooked food |
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| 56067 Football is widely popular in Sierra Leone, and St. Michael Center is no exception |
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| 56082 Going back home to reunite finally with their families (COOPI YMCA center, Lakka) |
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| 56081 Waiting fo rthe helicopter taht will shuttle them to their families |
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| 56111 Ready to take off onboard a Mi-8 russian-built, russian-manned, MSF (Medecins Sans Frontieres) chartered chopper |
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| 56115 Father Joseph Berton, 68, italian, runs his own charity, St. Michael Children's Welcome Center in Lakka some 30 minutes far from Freetown. Here, he's hosted more than 1300 children, mostly rescued from the "bush", since 1997 |
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