Ishmael Beah, lessons from a child soldier

Ishmael Beah recounted his experiences of the war in Sierra Leone and of his slow and painful rehabilitation. His observations of the value of the gift of education and the way that the western world squanders this precious resource were both funny and moving.

Ishmael's message to education leaders in the hall was that they need to give all children the same chances, even if that means taking a risk, and that they should work to ensure that children and teachers understand the humanity of all peoples and cultures.