AUTHORS:

KATUNGU MUNGWANA Rachel

ABSTRACT:

This study describes the role played by the Action Center for Youth and Vulnerable Children (CAJED) in the psychosocial support of ex-child soldiers in the North-Kivu/Goma city within a period of 2010 to 2019. The aim of the study was to find out the mechanisms used by CAJED in the psychosocial support of ex-child soldiers, to examine how those mechanisms have helped the former child soldiers to be reconciled with their past and to still hope for a better future, and to investigate the efforts done in terms of follow-up after the ex-child soldiers have been reintegrated into their families and communities. It used main literature related to ex-child soldiers and war, mental health and post-war psychosocial rehabilitation of ex-child soldiers, and children as well as peace building related studies. The study uses a qualitative descriptive methodology to find out the role that CAJED have played in the psychosocial support of ex-child soldiers. The data was collected through documentation, individual interview and observation. Also to analyze the data, this study used a qualitative analysis, through a content analysis. The findings of this study revealed that the contribution provided by CAJED to support the psychosocial well-being of ex-child soldiers are mainly accomplished through different activities, and the most effectives included individual listening, moral talks, trust building, as well as reading and writing skills, arts, and handcrafts. The researcher also found out that, despite different challenges faced by CAJED, they continue providing psychosocial supports to the former child soldiers, not only to prevent them from returning back to the armed groups, but also to help them contribute in peace building in their respective communities

KEYWORDS:

Vulnerable Children, Psycho-social support, Ex-child soldier

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