Voices of Youth

I am from being abducted (in the middle of the night), there was screaming, beating, and tears), from losing my parents, and siblings (2 younger sisters). I am from the overrun refugee camp (almost 200 died that night). I am from the dirt, from the dry, and hard, ground, which I have slept on for years.

I am from yelling and threatening. From the LRA’s force, guards, and generals. I am from the gun placed in my hands, and the order to shoot.

From the physical, and mental abuse (there is only so much a child can take). I am from being silenced. My mother and I used to sing every night. I'm from starving, no food, and no water.

I’m from the thousands of others in the same position as me.

I am from the sickening feeling, of being forced to do things, I would never do. From the only goal being survival.

Photo: © UNICEF/NYHQ2008-1216/Holt