大象传媒

In the city of Goma, Congolese journalist Ruth Omar looks at how former child soldiers are being rehabilitated using capoeira, the Brazilian martial art.

Since the start of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, child soldiers have been recruited to fight, some as young as 14. After they are demobilised from armed groups, many suffer from mental health disorders like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The demobilised child soldiers are housed in transit centres while they wait to be reunited with their families. While they wait, Social Capoeira is one of the therapies offered to them. It is a form of capoeira where the fighting is non-contact and dialogue, and wellbeing are prioritised. It allows the child soldiers to gain some peace.

Ruth explores the impact of this unique approach. She learns how capoeira creates a community or family for the returning child soldiers and how this helps them reintegrate into society. And we hear from people in Goma who have helped child soldiers in their own unique ways.

Contributors: Faustin Busimba, CAJED; Flavio Soares, Gingando pela Paz; Elvis Muderhwa, HEAL Africa; Aimable Diago, CAJED.

Presenter: Ruth Omar
Producer: Jill Achineku
A Whistledown production for the 大象传媒 World Service

(Image credit: Ruth Omar)