Victor Ochen is the Founder and Executive Director for African Youth Initiative Network (AYINET). Born in northern Uganda, he spent 21 years of his childhood as a refugee in the camps, where he survived on one meal-a-day for over 7 years. He grew up amidst violent conflict that displaced over 3 million people, where 60,000+ children were abducted and forcefully recruited as child-soldiers, including his own brother.
His organization has so far provided reconstructive medical repair to over 30,000 war victims of rape, mutilation and gun shots. Challenged by the hardships of war and poverty, while living in the camps at the age of 13 years, Victor formed a Peace Club and bravely led the anti-child soldiers’ recruitment campaign amidst the war in northern Uganda. He grew up to become one of the most important figures in Africa, a key reference when it comes to struggle for human rights and justice.
“I am proud to be a part of this dedicated team of young people who suffered a lot during the war but who are now doing amazing work to rebuild their communities.”
~ Victor Ochen
Do you want to know more about Victor and his important organization? You can read the interview with Barbara here. Or read his impressive story ‘A Calling for Peace’ in our Storybook.
