Freedom to Create
World
Poimboi Veeyah Koindu
Youth Prize - 2009
Healing and Forgiveness
Artform: Dance Therapy
The 11-year Sierra Leonean civil war gained notoriety for the abduction and use of children as soldiers by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). Poimboi Veeyah Koindu (Orphan Boys of Koindu in the Kissi language) is made up of a dozen youths who were all active RUF members. Most were aged between five and 10 when they were abducted and forced to become child soldiers. The Centre for the Victims of Torture hired David Alan Harris to travel to the war-ravaged district of Kailahun to give group therapy, individual counselling and host dance therapy workshops for community leaders. The boys then crafted a 25-minute drama and dance piece they performed before hundreds at a community cultural healing event. At the end of the show, the community welcomed them back into the community with open arms.
Youth Prize - 2009
Healing and Forgiveness
Artform: Dance Therapy
The 11-year Sierra Leonean civil war gained notoriety for the abduction and use of children as soldiers by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). Poimboi Veeyah Koindu (Orphan Boys of Koindu in the Kissi language) is made up of a dozen youths who were all active RUF members. Most were aged between five and 10 when they were abducted and forced to become child soldiers. The Centre for the Victims of Torture hired David Alan Harris to travel to the war-ravaged district of Kailahun to give group therapy, individual counselling and host dance therapy workshops for community leaders. The boys then crafted a 25-minute drama and dance piece they performed before hundreds at a community cultural healing event. At the end of the show, the community welcomed them back into the community with open arms.
1 comment
"Wow! It is nice to know that there is someone out there who uses Dance / Movement as a therapy to heal the wounded hearts and feelings. I personally have used it as a form of expression to heighten my feelings when am low and also to create a positive feeling in the audience I perform. So thumbs up for the Poimboi Veeyah Koindu for having the freedom to create change in the world through Dance therapy. Cheers."
Catherine Imalingat
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