Ishmael Beah, a bestselling author and former child soldier from Sierra Leone, shares his harrowing journey from innocence to survival. He recounts the trauma of being forced into warfare at just 13 and the long path to rehabilitation, aided by a compassionate mentor. Ishmael reflects on the power of music and storytelling in reclaiming his identity and the emotional struggles faced by former child soldiers. His impactful speech at the UN ignited a global conversation about child rights and his advocacy continues to inspire hope for a better future.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Simple Childhood
Ishmael Beah had a simple childhood in Sierra Leone, making toys from bamboo and tires.
He developed a love for reading through a teacher who lent him books after he washed his hands.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Village Music and Storytelling
Music played a significant role in Ishmael's village, especially drumming and storytelling through song.
Women led musical groups that recounted the village's yearly events, including Ishmael's mischievous acts.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Exposure to Music and Literature
Ishmael was exposed to American hip-hop through his father's work at a mining company.
He and his brother formed a dance and rap group, and he recited Shakespeare to impress his father's friends.
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In 'A Long Way Gone', Ishmael Beah recounts his journey from being a young boy fleeing rebels at age twelve to becoming a child soldier at thirteen. The memoir details his experiences with violence and drugs, and his eventual rescue and rehabilitation by UNICEF. It is a powerful story of survival and redemption.
Little Family
Ishmael Beah
Chike and the River
Chinua Achebe
Chinua Achebe's "Chike and the River" is a captivating children's novel that beautifully portrays the life of a young boy named Chike in post-colonial Nigeria. The story follows Chike's adventures as he navigates the complexities of family, friendship, and tradition. Achebe masterfully weaves together themes of cultural identity, personal growth, and the challenges of adapting to a changing world. The novel's simple yet profound narrative offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Nigerian culture and the universal experiences of childhood. Through Chike's journey, readers gain a deeper understanding of the importance of family, community, and the power of storytelling.
Treasure Island
Robert Louis Stevenson
The story follows Jim Hawkins, a young boy who lives at the Admiral Benbow Inn with his mother. After the death of a mysterious sea captain, Billy Bones, Jim finds a map that leads to the treasure of Captain Flint. Along with Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, Jim sets sail on the Hispaniola to find the treasure, unaware that many of the crew members are former pirates of Captain Flint's ship, led by the cunning Long John Silver. The novel unfolds as a tale of adventure, mutiny, and the struggle between good and evil, with Jim facing numerous challenges and learning valuable lessons about courage and loyalty.
As a boy, Ishmael Beah was forced to kill. How do you turn a soldier back into a child?
Ishmael Beah was just 13 when war reached his village in Sierra Leone and he was made to flee. In the chaos, he was separated from his family. He ended up with a group of other children at what they thought was the safety of an army base. But instead, he was taught to become a hardened killer and sent out to fight. Nearly three years went by before he was finally rescued by child protection specialists from Unicef, but he was so brainwashed that he didn’t want to leave. It took months of careful rehabilitation and the support of a very special woman to break down his defences.
In 1996, at the age of just 16, he gave a speech at the UN in New York where he recalled his experiences. His testimony formed part of a pivotal report into the impact of armed conflict on children. A decade later, he would become the first Unicef Advocated for Children Affected by War. Today he is a bestselling author and married with three children. This interview was recorded in 2020.
This interview contains disturbing descriptions of violence.
Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producers: Edgar Maddicott and Jo Impey
Editor: Munazza Khan
Lives Less Ordinary 
