This conference paper was presented on September 6 2004 at the 29th International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) conference, Books for Africa, Cape Town, South Africa.

This ten-page paper focuses on the role of storytelling for former child soldiers and children traumatised by the war in northern Uganda. Thousands of children of northern Uganda abducted by the Lord Resistance Army (LRA) have been forced to carry out and be subjected to acts of extreme violence. These children often suffer post-traumatic disorders, including nightmares, sleeplessness, hallucinations, fainting, visual disorder, withdrawal, and feelings of hostility and despair. Those who are no longer in armies struggle to reintegrate, worrying about how their family, peers and community will accept them and fear the stigma of their past acts.

The report describes the processes by which these children find healing, through listening, reading and storytelling, despite low literacy. According to the author, "[t]hese modes expressed their anger with greater poise and poignancy than any other form of communication could muster. Those who were exposed to story telling and listening therapy showed remarked improvement from their nightmares and conquered their fears as they began to live a normal life in their villages."

The report explains how different forms of expression allow a child to become more aware, gain meaning and control of the emotional dynamics that are linked to traumatic events. Ways to express traumatic experiences in a safe and non-threatening environment may vary from child to child, depending on local culture and tradition. Some of the most common methods combined with storytelling are speaking, writing, picture drawing, music, and dance, forms of therapy used by both World Vision Children Of War Rehabilitation Center And Gulu Support The Children Organisation (GUSCO).

The report concludes by mentioning other forms of healing, including traditional Ugandan practises and the ways in which children show evidence of their healing and reintegration. Manifestation of their progress may include behavioural changes, forming their own support groups, being committed to their education and schooling and expressing personal career aspirations.

To request an electronic or print version of this paper, please use the contact information below.

Beatrice Lamwaka sent an email to the Soul Beat Africa team on September 28 2004.