Family Homes Movement

Moses (below centre), the mute child beaten by ECOMOG soldiers after a firefight in Freetown, now lives at a Family Homes Movement (FHM) centre where Martha and Ernest (below left and right) care for him. Father Giuseppe Barton (right) started FHM five years ago in the eastern part of the capital. After much of the city was destroyed by the rebels in January 1999, the centre moved to a former holiday complex on a stretch of golden beach 20 kilometres west of Freetown.

The centre started out catering for street children found in the city, but since the Lome peace agreement, it has undertaken a rehabilitation programme for abducted children.

An estimated 10 to 15 000 children were abducted and forced to join various armed factions during the war. They were used as intelligence gatherers, labourers and sex slaves. Forced to fight, many committed horrifying atrocities and admit to killing adults and other children.

FHM provides food, shelter and basic education for its charges. An endeavour is made to return children to their families and foster out others who have lost their parents. This is difficult work because many people suspect the children are now irrevocably corrupted and fear becoming involved with them.

The centre is funded by individuals and parishes in Italy and supported by an Italian NGO, Cooperazione Internazionale. It is recognised by UNICEF and aided through their programme to assist local charities.

With over 400 children enrolled at FHM, there is a continuing need for donations and assistance in this essential work.

Until a more efficient method of payment can be established, please make donations by cheque payable to The Family Homes Movement and send it to: Father Giuseppe Barton, c/o Sorious Samura, Insight News Television, The Clockhouse, 28 Old Town, Clapham, London, SW4 OLB, United Kingdom.