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When most children in Canada turn 12, they’re busy attending school, spending time with their friends and family, and playing pick-up games of soccer or street hockey. But these seemingly ordinary childhood activities are not options given to many children living in conflict zones around the world.
 A Long Way Gone is Beah’s story of a childhood lost during the civil war in Sierra Leone. Written in his own words, it recounts how he survived what many would find hard to even imagine. Fleeing his village to escape rebel attacks, being coerced into joining the conflict, and being forced to commit heinous acts of violence. This was Beah’s life for over three years until UNICEF put him into a child soldier rehabilitation program and gave him a chance to start making sense of his experience.
Beah’s heartbreaking honesty and incredible insight combine to provide a powerful memoir and message.
 Stories like Beah’s keep War Child working hard to support children and families affected by conflict. We know first hand that for children, living in a war zone can have a devastating effect. Our programs provide children and youth with the opportunity to grow to their full potential through education, skills training, trauma healing and the opportunity to take an active role in the reconstruction of their communities.
For more information on War Child Former Child Soldier Rehabilitation project in Sierra Leone, see:
 War Child Canada
War Child Holland
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