Former child soldier back to playing football with his friends

Until 2012 child soldiers were openly recruited in Myanmar. Many of these boys came from impoverished backgrounds and were often enlisted under false pretences. 17 year-old former child-soldier Naung's* story is unfortunately fairly common. He told us, “In my childhood, I used to play soldiers and I asked my parents to buy me toy guns. But I didn’t have any intention or plan to join the army after failing my exams."

However, after Naung failed his exams and dropped out of school, his parents worried that his future seemed precarious. “My father thought that I could be a better person if I joined the army where a strict discipline was imposed. The man who rented part of our house had army contacts and he contacted a sergeant from a battalion which is about six hours drive from where we live,” recalls Naung.

Finally, one day, their lodger drove Naung to the recruitment centre. “As soon as I arrived, they cut my hair. When the documents were checked, I’d noticed that the year I was born had been changed.” Naung remembers.

“After two weeks at the training school, I missed home so much, but I dared not to tell that I wanted to go home. Eight weeks later, we had shooting lessons. The training was very tough and tiring."

Child soldiers are often more at risk of exploitation than their older peers, and they often face isolation and a lack of support. Low pay and poor conditions mean leaders are prone to exploiting young recruits for their own personal gain and income.

In 2012, Myanmar agreed to stop the recruitment of child soldiers, and to release any existing troops under the age of 18.

Thanks to the new legislation and the help of World Vision, Naung has successfully left the army and returned home to his Mum and Dad. He’s back to living like a normal teenager – playing football with his friends and doing some work.

Leaving the army has given Naung new hope that he wants to spread to others. “I’m also sharing my experiences in the army with my friends, and I’m participating in World Vision’s awareness raising. I tell my friends who are still in the army that it’s their right to leave the army because they were recruited as minors and I've helped them to make contact with World Vision.”

World Vision has been working across Myanmar to help re-integrate former child soldiers into their families and communities. Child sponsorship also helps make sure every child can afford an education, and that families are better equipped to raise healthier and happy children. More information about how World Vision and its partners are working towards ending the use of child soldiers around the world can be found here »

* Child’s name has been changed to protect their identity.