Child soldiers return to families Thirty-two former child soldiers and ten unaccompanied children were reunited with their families in Bo and Kenema, Sierra Leone, on March 25, 1997. The families gave written confirmation of their willingness to take the back. The ILO will also support the programme through job opportunities for the older children. Soccer helps boy soldiers heal - I'm going to be a soccer player. I hate the war.
Soccer plays a major role at the camp.
It does not seem to matter that the field cleared for the games is full of bumps, roots and stones. The boys play barefoot with frenzy and enthusiasm. They play for several hours a day, one leader explains. He was found by field workers four months ago, wandering aimlessly about the jungle with an automatic rifle slung over his thin shoulder. I watch him dribbling skillfully - the ball looks glued to his quick feet.