Focus on speaking

Part 1

Case studies: Child soldiers

Read the following poem written by a child soldier.

Imagine what life might be like, if you were born on another side of the world.

Discussion question

1. When you read this poem, what stands out for you? How does the poem make you feel emotionally and intellectually?

2. Who do you think he means by elders?

3. Do you think these children should be held accountable for their actions if they are forced into this life? Why/why not?

4. Does your decision change if they voluntarily joined? Why/why not?

Research Question

What do you think the long-term prospects are for reintegrating these children into

society? Investigate a reintegration program to learn about the challenges and outcomes.

In many countries in the world, children are being forced into armed conflict. They must leave their homes and families and are forced to join and fight in the civil wars that rage in their countries. They are forced to become child soldiers. Child soldiers are children under the age of 18 who directly or indirectly participate in a military or indirectly participate in a military or political armed conflict.

I Will Lay Down the Arms now!!

When I was drugged and injected with cocaine,

Forced to join the war of stains

Brainwashed often and again,

I would have told you I have so much to gain

With the heavy arms I lug at war.

And to convince me out of it, I will say don’t bother!!

Conscripted away from my mother and farther

To shoot and murder another

I cannot go any further,