| dc.description.abstract | This study explored the lived experiences of ten children as witnesses of armed
conflict in affected areas in Maguindanao. I utilized qualitative-phenomenology to go
deeply into the realm of these children and listen to their unheard voices. The
determination of participants was done through purposive sampling. In-depth
interviews were conducted with the individual participants. Several themes in each
of the three domains (experiences, coping mechanisms, and insights) emerged in
the analysis such as disturbing and life-threatening episodes, emotional and
psychological trauma, evacuation difficulties and challenges, trusting in divine
providence, engaging in pleasurable activities, evading and putting life on hold, our
lives on the edge, we long for peace and security, we have to learn how to survive,
and we are calling for help. This study revealed then that the children who have been
witnesses of armed conflict consider risk due to strayed bullets, limitation of food
supplies, bites of mosquitos, cold nights, and limited space shared by many in the
evacuation center as their prevailing encountered problems, and they cope with
them by forgetting, ignoring, diverting, believing and wishing that God will make them
rich, and by thinking that their dreams will be realized someday. Their messages are
for the world to know their experienced situations so they can be helped by people,
government, and other organizations in terms of praying, giving assistance, and
dialogue to end war.
Keywords: social work, children, armed conflict-affected areas, unheard voices,
Maguindanao, Philippines | en_US |
