For Nate “Oteka” Henn
who lived a life that demands explanation.
It has been estimated that there are approximately 300,000 child soldiers in the world today and that they participate in three quarters of all ongoing conflicts. Children as young as seven are sold, trafficked, or kidnapped and forced into joining these conflicts. Those who escape to survive must often deal with intense psychological trauma caused by their prolonged exposure to and participation in violence.
This is not a minor or historical phenomenon; it is a brutal, ongoing reality. Its causes trace back to topics as complex as globalization and the development of increasingly light- weight weapons, and as simple as human cruelty and innocence.
Who are these invisible children?
www.invisiblechildren.com
YOU ARE READING
The Water Sign
Science FictionThe teachers taught us how to kill and made us dream for death. It is the only place the Struggle leads. And even it was a lie. I am too old to be a child. Still too young to be a soldier. But I am trapped as both. My name is Ayax, though some call...
