Frequently Asked Questions

“Child soldiers”? What do you mean?

In Central and East Africa, armed forces and rebels have abducted more than 100,000 children. Children as young as 7 are kidnapped and forced to fight in rebel armies. Many are psychologically tortured and brainwashed — forced to commit atrocities against their own families and communities… forced to fight and to kill. Young girls are abducted and abused, becoming victims of rape and sexual violence.

If these children finally escape or are released, they are left with deep and lasting emotional scars from what they’ve seen and been forced to do. Many are unable to return home because they have lost all family members and/or because of stigmatization for atrocities they were forced to commit in their communities.

What is Exile Intl’s Mission?

Restoring rescued child soldiers & children orphaned by war to become leaders for peace through art-focused trauma care & holistic rehabilitation

With proper care, child survivors are becoming leaders for peace. They are transforming lives and communities!

What services does Exile Intl provide?

• Comprehensive, long term, rehabilitative care — Healing of Spirit (Art-Focused Trauma Care, Discipleship & Peace Building), Healing of mind (Education, Professional Skills & Leadership Development), and Healing of body (Food, Medical & Other Basic Needs)
• Training and partnering with local counselors, caregivers & leaders
• Advocacy and awareness — amplifying their voices to promote action & change
• Child Sponsorships — education, housing, food, medical & rehabilitative care

How many children are receiving care?

This year, over 2,500 rescued child soldiers and children orphaned by war are receiving the care they need to overcome and thrive.

Since 2008, over 6,700 lives have been transformed through Exile’s art-focused trauma care and holistic rehabilitative care programs.

Why Art Focused Trauma Care?

Art and expression are empowering mediums, especially for children — they provide a safe avenue to express and process emotions and experiences that children do not yet have the words to share.

Weekly group therapy and programs incorporating art, music, dance, and drama provide children with avenues to share their stories. For many, this expression becomes the first step on a path of healing and discovering hope. Communicating their stories with caregivers, mentors and peers help traumatized children to rebuild a sense of normalcy – the idea that “I can be understood” – once lost to extreme physical and emotional traumas.

Who facilitates the programs?

Exile International trains & partners with local leaders to restore lives and bring hope to war-affected children in their own communities.

By partnering with local counselors, caregivers, and leaders in DR Congo and Uganda, Exile implements culturally appropriate counseling and care practices. Many local men and women who are already helping their communities to heal are looking for more ways to strengthen their communities. Trainings in the rehabilitative care, peace-building and leadership models utilized by Exile programs further empower local leaders to do just that!

Where does Exile Intl work?

We have long-term care programs in war-affected communities of northern Uganda & eastern DR Congo.

Exile Intl has provided short-term programming in Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda, Togo, and Haiti — providing caregiver trainings, art-focused trauma care workshops and consultation to organizations serving at-risk children.

How does faith play a role in Exile’s work?

Exile International is a community of faith seeking justice, restoration, and empowerment on behalf of all people regardless of race, religion, or any other status.  The love of Jesus Christ motivates us to compassionately respond to those in need: The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands:
 “See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.” (Micah 6:8)

Exile Statement of Faith