Moral imperatives, professional interventions and resilience, and educational action in chaotic situations: the souls of children amidst the horror of war

Abstract

Drawing from the research on children of war in Bogota, Beirut and Bosnia, this paper serves as a framework for dialogue about the criminalization of children by armed conflict and other forms of violence. Furthermore, it addresses the aching question of how best to care for these children so that they have every chance to become illuminated and not carbonized (Restrepo, 1999, p. 209) by the tragic circumstances of their environments. The author posits that educators everywhere bear a moral imperative to provide opportunities for children to reclaim hope, reintegrate socially, learn well, reflect deeply, and act justly. Specifically, this essay reflects on varied approaches aimed at fostering resilience, as well as cognitive and moral growth and development in children who are witness and/or victims of social, political, and violent struggles.

Keywords:

• Civil war
• Violence
• Children
• Child soldiers
• Bogota
• Beirut
• Bosnia
• Educational interventions

Notes

* Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA. Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Catherine M. Hill*

* Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA. Email: [email protected]