The recruitment of children has become common practice in many conflict situations. Their forced obedience and the ease with which they can be manipulated make them a priority target for armed groups. ‘These are children whose present has been stolen and whose future is being conditioned,’ say the Salesians who work with these children.

For decades, Misiones Salesianas, together with the Salesians, has been working for the protection, recovery and social reintegration of children affected by armed conflict. To this end, it operates with a system based on trust, closeness and integral accompaniment of the child.

‘Education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of violence and giving children the opportunity to build a life in peace,’ said Luis Manuel, Director of Misiones Salesianas. Colombia is one of the countries where this work is most widespread. Despite progress in the peace process, the recruitment of minors continues, especially in rural and indigenous communities.

In this context, the Salesians develop specialised programmes in Medellín and Cali, offering safe spaces for the recovery and reintegration of children and adolescents who have left the armed conflict.

At the Ciudad Don Bosco project in Medellín, since the beginning of the century, more than 2,000 minors have participated in the CAPRE programme (Casa de Protección Especializada) programme, resuming their studies and moving towards a life plan away from violence. In Cali, the ‘Casa Valdocco’ has accompanied more than 800 adolescents and young people, with a high percentage of successful outcomes thanks to educational and technical formation.

In addition to Colombia, the Salesians work with minors who are victims of forced recruitment in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Uganda, Myanmar, Syria and Ukraine, developing programmes for protection, psychosocial assistance, education and reintegration into the community.

On the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, which is celebrated today, 12 February, Misiones Salesianas reminds us that no child is born for war and that peace begins by guaranteeing education, assistance and real opportunities for the most vulnerable children and young people.

For further information, visit: www.misionessalesianas.org