ChildFocus: Sunday Patricia

Her baby was near death when Sunday Patricia arrived at the medical clinic ChildVoice International (CVI) opened in northern Uganda last summer. While only 16 years old, Patricia had already endured an unimaginable sequence of events in her young life. But now a veil of hopelessness covered not only her life, but also that of her young son.

A life interrupted.
At the age of 11, Patricia was abducted from her village by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel group that has perpetuated a civil war for more than two decades in northern Uganda. Her family was killed in the attack. Patricia lived in captivity for five years.

Always on the move, LRA commanders forced Patricia and other abducted children to carry heavy loads for long distances. Perhaps worst of all, young female abductees, like Patricia, are assigned to a rebel commander and forced to serve as "wives," which, for the most part, amounts to sex slavery.

"When she became pregnant, Patricia was determined to escape," says D'Andrea Weeks, masters candidate at School of International Training in Brattleboro, VT and CVI intern in Uganda who has become acquainted with Patricia. "Not only would giving birth in the bush be difficult, but also child mothers often are forced to return to their duties too quickly, before they're recovered from childbirth."

Patricia also knew that, with a baby on her back, fleeing for freedom would be even more risky. Child soldiers who were caught trying to escape usually were killed.

Starting over.
Although Patricia managed to escape the LRA, she had no immediate family to welcome her home and encourage her future. She had been out of school since her abduction five years prior. With no job skills and a baby to provide for, Patricia found herself living in an abusive situation with her aunt and uncle.

Kakanyero Junior, Patricia's son, was born December 16, 2006, shortly after her escape. With no means to purchase food, Patricia's health declined and she lost her ability to produce breast milk.

In his mother's arms at the CVI medical clinic, Junior cried out with hunger. Malnourished herself, Patricia hung her head in shame and sadness as a nurse prepared a bottle of formula for her son.

"Patricia was very hesitant to offer Junior a bottle because the ability to breastfeed is such a source of pride for Ugandan mothers," says Jane Patton, CVI mission team member, who was present when Patricia and Junior arrived at the clinic. "My heart ached when I couldn't even persuade Patricia to lift her chin and look in my eyes so I could reassure her."

As Patricia sat in silence and hopelessness, the CVI mission team members prayed for her. Before she left that day, CVI staff encouraged her to apply to the CVI pilot program, set to begin in September 2007.

Hope at last.
Not long after her visit to the CVI medical clinic, Patricia was interviewed for acceptance into the CVI program. Weeks conducted the interview, finding Patricia still scared and unsure.

"As we spoke, Patricia kept her eyes to the floor," Weeks describes. "She was withdrawn and very sad."

Like other child soldiers who escape, Patricia returned to a traumatized village and no outlet to talk about what she had experienced in abduction.

"They don't talk about their experiences with each other," Weeks explains, referring to former child soldiers. "There is no safe place."

The turning point.
Patricia was accepted and entered the CVI program at the Lukodi Center in September 2007. When she arrived, she remained frightened, suspicious and refused to actively participate in the program.

Patricia's days included spiritual counseling, basic education, vocational training and three balanced meals each day. Junior, whose life was saved when his mother brought him to the CVI clinic, grew healthy and active.

Slowly, but surely – with the loving support, security and encouragement provided by the program staff, Patricia blossomed, becoming energetic and optimistic. Junior, whose life was saved when his mother brought him to the CVI clinic, grew healthy and active.

"Now I see Patricia playing with Junior, clapping hands and engaging him," Weeks says. "He is thriving, happy and curious."

A bright future.
Patricia has turned a corner. "For the first time since I've known Patricia, she talks about the future," Weeks says. "The program has expanded her horizons beyond what she thought was possible a few months ago."

While Patricia has made immense progress in the five months since she entered the program, Weeks emphasizes that she still has some significant issues to work through. She will likely participate in the program for at least one more year before she's ready to face life on her own.

"CVI is committed to the long-term recovery and reintegration of the former child soldiers in its program, both now and in the future," explains Conrad Mandsager, founder and CEO of CVI. "The healing process takes time and must be allowed to run its course in order for these children to grow into productive, confident adults."

As for Patricia, she is looking forward to the day she can support herself and her son. Her dream is to open a salon in her village and earn a living as a hair stylist. CVI's dream is to make a difference for many others whose lives, like Patricia's, have been detoured by the devastation of war.