Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC)

In the summer of 2002, I first journeyed to Ethiopia. It was a defining moment that propelled me to look at the world and my purpose in a deeper manner. I discovered a life of service in Ethiopia and I want to share that—to inspire others as I was inspired by the children of Ethiopia. Their strength of spirit is palpable and life affirming. Thus, my aim is to chronicle my endeavor to affect change in the lives of vulnerable children in Ethiopia and the inner growth that has brought to my life.

Friday, June 08, 2007

IRAQ: Poverty drives children to work for armed groups

Via: IRINnews.org
Photo: Afif Sarhan/IRIN

"Eleven-year-old Seif Abdul-Rafiz and his two brothers were left with no choice but to leave school and work so as to help their unemployed parents make ends meet.

Unable to find a job, Seif resorted to making bombs for Sunni insurgents who are fighting US troops in Iraq. “We work about eight hours a day and are supervised by two men. They give us food and at the end of the day we get paid for our work. Sometimes we get US $7 and sometimes we get $10, depending on how many bombs we make,” Abdul-Rafiz said."

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