The issue of men is a troubling one but I do not think that the lack of focus on them by the women's movement indicates disregard. I think it recognizes that there are terrible cultural imbalances between men and women that must be addressed if the country is to prosper. By empowering women you create change within the family culture that carries into the next generation. It has been shown that one dollar given to a women goes as far as ten given to a man.  The first priority of a woman is her family and so children and husband all benefit. These countries are in triage mode and to me this approach makes sense strategically. I was humbled and awed by the power of intention as expressed by women and some supportive men.

The only program I've heard of that works to re-train child soldiers is run by a young Liberian man named Kimmie Weeks who survived cholera in the refugee camps during the war. His organization is: Youth Action International. I do not have extensive knowledge of this group but met Kimmie and know that he is a man of integrity and vision. I am sure his programs are more balanced than the evangelistic approaches of the General and I would be curious to explore them further.

I look forward to more discussion of our experiences together. There is still much to glean from the readings and each other's impressions. Thank you for putting the recruitment of ex-combatants to the Ivory Coast in perspective for me. I remember hearing the words but had not really digested their meaning in the state of overwhelm that I experienced  meeting Joshua (the General Butt Naked). 

Welcome home! You, Leah and Kim did an amazing job of guiding, nurturing and challenging our group. Thank you.

Thanks for the update.  Sounds like a wonderful day.  Wish I was there. 

Linda