Amnesty International GVSU Talk on Child Soldiers

Amnesty International at GVSU has the honor of bringing Bukeni T. Waruzi Beck to speak on Child Soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is an amazing opportunity to hear from the founder of a grassroots organization, AJEDI-Ka, who has been working on the front lines of this humanitarian crisis.

Background: Since 1996, war has ravaged the DRC resulting in four million deaths and tens of thousands of children being recruited as combatants. Bukeni has met with rebel commanders, negotiated the release of child soldiers and started AJEDI-Ka, which works to rehabilitate children once they have left the militia groups. He has also testified before the International Criminal Court against Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, one of the perpetrators. In his "spare time" he also directed the film "On the front lines: child soldier in the DRC".

"I've been arrested four times and beaten twice. But we have still managed to demobilize over 300 child soldiers." - Bukeni

When: December 6th.
Where: Thomas M. Cooley Law School (Downtown Grand Rapids)
What: *Screening of the movie "On the front lines: child soldiers in the DRC",
followed by a presentation from Bukeni, ending with Q& A.
Light appetizers and refreshments will be served.
Time: Doors will open at 6:00 with the presentation to follow at 6:30
Cost: $2.00 admission to cover basic costs.

Donations will be accepted at the end of the presentation to go towards the education of former child soldiers.

*Mature content. Not appropriate for young children.