Lessons from Within: the Life Story of a Former African Child Soldier

This study focuses on the life story of a former African child soldier. Using a qualitative research approach, I explore the experiences and their impact on a former African soldier's journey from childhood to adulthood. This study adopted the interview method and narration analysis to offer meaning to his reality through academic theory. Findings from this study suggest that environmental influences impact a person's development and how an individual manages conflict. In presenting a life story, this research approach draws meaning from the participant's life experiences, offered the participant a medium to channel his voice, while providing an opportunity for readers to obtain lessons from his reality of conflict. This research revealed that though the occurrence of conflict has an effect on both the individual and society, impacting a society for change does not begin with the masses, but with understanding yourself and being accountable to the responsibility to make choices. With individual accountability, work towards probable resolution to conflict avails possibilities to build and/or rebuild constructive relationships.