A Long Way Gone

1. A childhood shattered by civil war in Sierra Leone

There were all kinds of stories told about the war that made it sound as if it was happening in a faraway and different land. It wasn't until refugees started passing through our town that we began to see that it was actually taking place in our country.

War arrives unexpectedly. Ishmael Beah's childhood in Sierra Leone is abruptly interrupted when civil war breaks out in 1991. At 12 years old, he goes from a carefree boy who loves hip-hop and Shakespeare to a refugee fleeing for his life.

The impact is devastating:

• Families torn apart
• Villages destroyed
• Constant fear and uncertainty
• Loss of innocence and normalcy

As the violence spreads, Ishmael is separated from his family and forced to wander with other boys, struggling to survive in a world turned upside down by conflict.

2. Forced into becoming a child soldier at age 13

"We have good news from our informants. We are moving out in five minutes to kill some rebels and take their supplies, which really belong to us," the lieutenant would announce.

Survival leads to recruitment. After months of running and narrowly escaping death, 13-year-old Ishmael is forcibly recruited by the government army. The choice is stark: become a soldier or die.

The transformation is rapid and brutal:

• Indoctrination through propaganda and drugs
• Training in violence and weaponry
• Loss of moral compass and empathy
• Children turned into killing machines

Ishmael and other boys are given AK-47s and sent to fight on the front lines, their childhood memories replaced by the horrors of war.

3. The brutal reality of war: violence, drugs, and loss of innocence

I didn't feel a thing for him, didn't think that much about what I was doing. I just waited for the corporal's order. The prisoner was simply another rebel who was responsible for the death of my family, as I had come to truly believe.

Desensitization to violence. Ishmael's experiences as a child soldier are horrific. He is forced to commit atrocities and witnesses unspeakable acts of violence.

The toll on his psyche is immense:

• Addiction to drugs (cocaine, marijuana, "brown brown")
• Nightmares and flashbacks
• Emotional numbness and detachment
• Loss of moral compass and humanity

The line between victim and perpetrator blurs as Ishmael struggles to survive in a world of constant violence and fear.

4. Rehabilitation and the struggle to regain humanity

"None of these things are your fault," she would always say sternly at the end of every conversation. Even though I had heard that phrase from every staff member—and frankly I had always hated it—I began that day to believe it.

The long road to healing. After years of fighting, Ishmael is rescued by UNICEF and taken to a rehabilitation center. The process of reclaiming his humanity is slow and painful.

Key aspects of rehabilitation:

• Withdrawal from drugs
• Therapy and counseling
• Relearning trust and empathy
• Confronting trauma and guilt

With the help of dedicated staff, especially nurse Esther, Ishmael begins to reconnect with his emotions and rediscover his identity beyond that of a soldier.

5. The power of storytelling and education in healing trauma

I loved the dance, and particularly enjoyed learning the lyrics, because they were poetic and it improved my vocabulary.

Reclaiming identity through stories. Throughout his ordeal, Ishmael's love for language and storytelling remains a constant. This passion becomes crucial in his rehabilitation and healing process.

Storytelling aids recovery by:

• Providing an outlet for expressing trauma
• Reconnecting with pre-war memories and identity
• Improving communication and social skills
• Offering hope and alternative narratives

Ishmael's talent for storytelling eventually leads him to become an advocate for child soldiers, using his experiences to educate others and promote peace.

6. Finding family and hope amidst the chaos of war

"Like I said, we cannot go back. But we can start from here. I am your family and that is enough for us to begin liking each other," he replied, rubbing my head and laughing a little.

Rebuilding connections. After years of loss and trauma, Ishmael is reunited with an uncle he never knew. This unexpected family connection offers a chance at normalcy and healing.

The journey to trust and belonging:

• Overcoming fear and suspicion
• Learning to be part of a family again
• Balancing past trauma with present hope
• Finding purpose through education and advocacy

Despite ongoing challenges, Ishmael begins to rebuild his life with the support of his new family and community.

7. Advocacy for child soldiers and the pursuit of peace

"I am from Sierra Leone, and the problem that is affecting us children is the war that forces us to run away from our homes, lose our families, and aimlessly roam the forests. As a result, we get involved in the conflict as soldiers, carriers of loads, and in many other difficult tasks."

Turning trauma into action. Ishmael's experiences lead him to become an advocate for child soldiers and peace. He speaks at the United Nations, sharing his story to raise awareness and promote change.

Key messages in his advocacy:

• The devastating impact of war on children
• The importance of rehabilitation and education
• Breaking the cycle of violence and revenge
• The resilience of children and the possibility of healing

Through his work, Ishmael strives to prevent other children from experiencing the horrors he endured and to promote understanding and reconciliation.

Last updated: November 20, 2024