A phenomenological study of ex-child soldiers’ perceived meaning of reintegration in post war Liberia

ABSTRACT

The author examined the meaning of reintegration as perceived by 34 Liberian ex-child soldiers. Three textural themes were uncovered: dissatisfaction with reintegration, powerlessness and perceptions of reintegration. The findings provide new insights which can be used to understand the meaning of reintegration and inform reintegration intervention strategies targeting child soldiers’ specific needs. Implications and future research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Liberia
• ex-child soildiers
• reintegration
• peace
• child soldiers
• post conflict
• DDR