Peace and War 015

15) Owning Your Own Life vs Being a Pawn in War

Normal Life
The greatest happiness for parents is seeing their children slowly discover who they are and choose their own path in life. Whether they want to be a happy artist, a hardworking businessperson, or an ordinary person living a simple life in the countryside, parents want to support them and give them the freedom to choose what they love. In a peaceful society, freedom and opportunity are precious gifts that allow children to truly design their own future.

Life Changed by War
When war takes over, children lose the right to choose their future. Thousands of life choices suddenly become only one choice: survival. A child who dreams of becoming a musician may be forced to carry a gun instead. A university student may have to leave school and live in a refugee camp just to stay alive. War controls the future of children without asking for their permission. Parents feel heartbroken when their children cannot even choose safe food or a safe place to sleep. The future that once seemed wide and full of hope becomes like a prison with no escape.

Peace protects freedom and allows children to truly own their lives and futures.