Condemnation and Confinement of Youth

Today, my survey brought me to a place that captured the heartbreak of Sierra Leone, a youth prison. Boys age 10-17, committed for 6 months to 3 years for various offensives, live beyond barbwire and metal bars. I do not know the specifics of these boys’ stories but I do not have to. In my opinion there is nothing, absolutely nothing, a 10 year old can do that deserves 3 years wasted behind bars.

Beaten into submission and subjected to a life of complete control and dependence, these boys presented as scared, docile creatures. Their requests were so simple and basic. “I would like help to return to school.” “I would like the office to help us get medical service and footwear.” “Our movements are very restricted. If you can help us to play football, I would like it very much.” School, medical care and football (soccer to us) so simple and yet, so far out of reach for these boys.

Why is Sierra Leone poor?

There are so many explanations, but the complete disregard for its youth, as was so painfully clear with the condemnation and confinement of these boys, is definitely high on my list. Yet, even in the depths of their despair, glimmers of hope and resilience survived. When asked about our program, “What does CVT do?” these were some of their responses:

“They (CVT) teach us to be better people for tomorrow. They encourage us. We call our group ‘One Family’ and they became our family. I was an orphan, but now I have a family again.”
“CVT works with people whose heart is spoiled and help them make their heart whole again.”
“They advise torture victims, like me. They treat us fine, fine and help us believe in a future, my future.”

So, the true tragedy of Sierra Leone is its lack of investment in its children. UNICEF estimates that 68% of children attend primary school and that number declines to an even more pathetic 20% for secondary school. School, medical care and football, yes, these things would make a huge difference for the boys I spoke with and the entire country.