One can only begin to imagine what it would be like to wake up at age 12 and have only two thoughts go through your mind.

⏱️TIMESTAMPS⏱️

This episode we hear from Ayik Chut Deng who joined the Rebel Sudanese Peoples Liberation Army at the age of 12. 

 Imprisoned by his own tribe for attempting to run away to a refugee camp from the training camp in Ethiopia, Ayik was rounded up with other child soldiers and placed in a children's prison, where he was dealt severe punishments.

Used as an example to others of what would happen if you run away, the child soldier came to despise his tormentor, a 17 year old, who ran the child prison. 

After 5 years in the rebels, Ayik's sister managed to get her brother and siblings out of Sudan an into Kenya, before acquiring refugee status in Australia.  

Misdiagnosed with Schizophrenia soon after leaving school, Ayik was re-diagnosed 8 years later to have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

Several years later in Australia Ayik bumped into his child hood prison tormentor and confronted him in a TV show called "Look Me In The Eye". 

The confrontation was a life changing experience for both men, who recognise how lucky they are to have escaped with their lives to their new place of residence, Australia. 

The meeting led to the writing of the book, The Lost Boy - Tales of a child soldier. 

AYIK'S WEB LINKS:

I hope you enjoyed this audio, please FOLLOW if you have not already done so.

PODCAST CREATOR:

#childsoldier #torture #ptsd