Colombia: A former child soldier reports

Yina fought as a child soldier for the FARC guerrillas in Colombia. But she managed to break into a new life. The Terre des Hommes partner organization "Taller de Vida" was a great help to her. Knut Henkel spoke with Yina.

How did it come about that you joined the Farc guerrillas?

I grew up with my grandparents. They had three farms, built, among other things, illegally bed poppies. We children had to work a lot, were beaten, walked around in discarded clothing from adults and old rubber boots. There was no compulsory schooling at the time. Our everyday life consisted of work and abuse. The Farc Guerilla controlled the area, one unit regularly came to us. When my then twelve -year -old aunt and I came off the field, they suggested to go with them. We were worse from the blows and the lousy treatment at home - we spontaneously agreed.

Was the Farc life better than with your grandparents?

Yes, clearly. I was accepted at Farc, not abused and much better cared for. I only received new underwear and stockings from Farc. The guerrilla became my family, but I had to adhere to clear rules. The Farc punished violations rigorously.

How do you make it back to civil society?

Yes, I know many who have neither managed to gain a foothold in civilian life. The Taller de Vida project was crucial for me. After three years at the guerrilla, I was arrested by the police after a battle and ended up in a state facility. From there I came to Taller de Vida at around 14 years. There I visited the theater group. I learned about the theater to reflect on my time as a child soldier. Psychological help and support are extremely important for children and adolescents like me - I received them from Taller de Vida. Thanks to this help, I made my training as a nurse. For me, Taller de Vida is like a second family. A family that forgives because I made a lot of mistakes and got a second chance. I took them.

With the help of Taller de Vida and Terre des Hommes I even visited the United Nations in New York to share my experiences and to present the UN Secretary-General with red handprints that had been collected worldwide in protest against the use of child soldiers.

And what do you do today?

I studied social work and now work in youth welfare. It was a dream of mine: to help those to find the jump that I found myself.

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