War’s Lasting Psychological Toll on East Africa's Children of Conflict

By Sam Childers, Machine Gun Preacher

I’m no psychiatrist. I’m a simple man. I prefer to take action and get my hands dirty – and I’ve been known to get in a fight or two. (Now I get into fights for good, rescuing children from East African warzones.) It doesn’t take a professional shrink to understand the psychological toll war has taken on these poor kids. 

Many wear the physical scars of war. They’ve been shot. They’ve been burned. They’ve had limbs torn from their sockets. Some have been torn from their families – or forced to watch them killed. The psychological effects, for most, never fully heal. 

These are unimaginable horrors. Unfortunately, that’s not even half of it. In my 25 years of saving and rehabilitating children from evil warlords in East Africa, I’ve witnessed things no child should EVER endure. Children rescued from sex-traffickers and terror-driven militias literally quake with fear.

Being physically removed from harm’s way is only part of the journey. After years of violence, displacement and unthinkable trauma, these children face a lasting internal battle that lingers long after the guns go silent.

In the interest of building awareness for this ongoing fight, I do my best here to break down what I’ve seen of these psychological impacts.

Children of Conflict: The Psychological Scars of War in East Africa

Children who have lived through conflict zones bear scars we often cannot see. Those who were forced to be soldiers or child “brides,” carry memories that haunt them day and night. These children have seen and experienced things that defy description.

As I’ve said before, we’ve been introduced to the Devil himself.

For a young mind, such trauma is deeply destabilizing. That’s an understatement. Many of the kids in our orphanages grow up experiencing feelings of guilt, shame and anger. They struggle with nightmares, flashbacks and severe anxiety. This impacts their ability to form healthy relationships, focus in school and envision any kind of future for themselves.

How Trauma Manifests in Children

For the children we rescue, the trauma of war shows up in unpredictable and intense ways. Some become withdrawn, isolating themselves from others to protect themselves. Others lash out, expressing anger as the only defense mechanism they know. Emotional regulation, trust and the ability to experience joy are all deeply affected. 

Without intervention, the impact of these traumas can grow and worsen over time.

Young children regress in their behavior. They can’t manage emotions or even perform basic tasks. Teens typically feel hopelessness, loss and a deep-seated anger toward the world. 

The Role of Angels of East Africa in Trauma Healing

Angels of East Africa exists not only to physically protect these children, but also to walk alongside them as they heal emotionally. We help children reclaim their sense of self, trust and hope. 

Here's how we approach this critical aspect of their journey:

1. Trauma-Informed Counseling

Trained counselors are key to helping children face and understand and process their trauma. Our team uses professionals who specialize in trauma-informed therapy, especially for children who have suffered through war. We provide safe spaces where children can talk about their experiences without judgment, learn to manage their emotions and form healthy coping mechanisms.

Through both individual and group therapy sessions, these children have the opportunity to share their stories with peers who understand their pain. By forming these connections, they realize they’re not alone in their suffering. 

This builds a sense of community.

2. Education & Routine: Reclaiming a Sense of Normalcy

One of the most powerful tools in trauma recovery providing structure, routine and educational opportunities. For children who’ve lived in war-torn chaos, something as simple as attending school or following a daily schedule can be transformative. Education offers not just knowledge but a chance to dream of something better.

Through Angels of East Africa, children have access to classrooms where they learn everything from reading and math to vocational skills. Every time a child excels in school, they take a step away from the trauma that once held them captive.

3. Building Trust Through Community Support

Healing is impossible without trust. That’s something we work hard to rebuild. Many of the children we rescue have lost trust in adults. Who could blame them? Our team understands that trust must be earned slowly. By keeping our promises, showing up consistently and offering a stable environment, we help these children rebuild their faith in others.

We foster this sense of community through group activities, mentorship programs and safe spaces where children can form friendships.

4. Faith & Spiritual Healing

We obviously believe in the healing power of faith. The Lord gave me, a sinner, a shot at redemption. Our kids deserve nothing less. 

While everyone’s journey is different, children typically find solace in spirituality, which becomes a source of inner strength. Christian faith is a framework to make sense of suffering – an understanding that even amidst their pain, there is a purpose.

Our team offers spiritual guidance without pressure, allowing each child to come to their beliefs on their own terms. 

The Road Ahead: A Lifelong Commitment to Healing Psychological Trauma

The worst of the fighting here in East Africa is over. But my rifle and sidearm are always at the ready to protect defenseless children. I’ll always vow justice against evil warlords and rebel militias that turned peaceful villages into Hell on Earth.

Healing from trauma is not a quick or easy process. It takes years of care within a consistently supportive environment. While we may never be able to erase the pain these children have endured, we can help them build resilience, find inner peace and create a future free from the psychological shackles of their lived experience.

We’re always reminded that our mission is as critical now as it was 25 years ago. Your donation today will help us to fight this ongoing battle.