Glenn Welker
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KEEP US SAFE
A poem for refugees...and some thoughts about war.
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This is Louise from Castelnau to talk about refugees. Refugees are people
who are forced to leave their country because life has become impossible
for them in the place where they live. They may be afraid of being
persecuted for their beliefs, in the midst of war, eventually this fear
can become too much to bear, or their situation too dangerous to dangerous
to live in.I have found this impossible to talk about from an objective
standpoint and think the only way I would ever be able to write my feelings
on such an emotional issue is like this:
Locked in outsiders.
When the senseless actions of a few, Wreck the lives of a multitude,
When one finger to a trigger,
Kills a thousand children,
When nowhere seems safe,
And it's the only place you can go,
When nothing makes sense,
And it's the only thing you know,
When the tears of each screaming babe, Drink the hopes of each struggling
mother, When the fear is so much it hurts.
And the pain just can't be healed,
When your life is no longer yours,
And your home no longer anywhere,
When all you can do is run and not look back, And hope that someone cares.
Louise Allcock (aged 15)
=================<some thoughts about war follow>======================
*Children and Armed Combat*
You've all seen Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis in all the major
action movies. But if you think about it, there not just movie star
but also a big lnfluence on young children. Not only the big screen
but also on television, comics, video games........the list is endless.
Violence is projected to children in many ways. Not just the technical
side of life but also the active side. Playing games such as Rugby can
get children also violent. Making them feel tough, strong and big.
What views do children also have (from t.v etc) about war, killing and
death. All these influences can lead to juvenile delinquency and much
more.
The worst thing of all is children actually taking part in war and may be
armed war. What are your views on this? think about what would be going
through these childrens minds. Can you imagine what it would be like?
In some countries children have wanted to join and recruit into armies.
Why? we ask. Well it could for a number of reosons. Their homes
being destroyed, their families being killed, the anger of the whole
situation it could be for many reosons. What do you think?
In many countries children are forced to go into armed combat. Children
have been even sent into mine fields ahead of the soldiers their deaths
are not considered. Do you think tihs is right? What sort of effects
does these types of experiences have on young children? Are there some
ways in which we could prevent these events happening? I dont know
about you but this all makes me realise how lucky we are.
Denis Yeo (aged 14)