UNICEF: Ishmael Beah's message of non-violence to Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica, 1 May 2008 -- In a country where violence and conflict are the order of the day for many children, former child soldier Ishmael Beah has inspired Jamaicans with a powerful message of hope and resilience.

This week, on his first mission as UNICEF's Advocate for Children Affected by War, Mr. Beah met with young Jamaicans who are growing up in violent environments and visited several communities where children's lives are disrupted by crime and gang conflict.

"You all have the strength and the capacity to triumph over violence," Mr. Beah told a group of children and young people in Spanish Town, west of Kingston. He was visiting the UNICEF-supported non-governmental organization Children First, which offers remedial education, life-skills training and other opportunities to children at risk.

To read the full story, visit: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/jamaica_43763.html

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• UNICEF
• Ishmael
• Beah
• Jamaica
• non-violence
• Kingston

[lbee123]

Wow, Ishmael is an amazing man. I read his book, amazing how a person can change.

[dnyce01]

That was so possitive!

How is that this gets no attention???

[shamrock08]

Ishmael is so important for our world. One of few who empasize the importance of us not to get dehumanized and dehumanize others but insted be human and treat others as humans.

[pandanus1]

great works

[Cheesewyck]

Because negativity sells more than positive things. I agree with you 100%. I'm from Kingston, Jamaica and so far, only the violence gets told around the world. If Jamaica ever gets in line like North America or better, we'd have to beg to show that. I like your comment, however!