Independentvoices.com and The Independent newspaper have launched a campaign together with Unicef to tackle the problem of child soldiers in the Central African Republic (CAR). Over the coming weeks, through the pages of the newspaper, this site and social media we will be raising money for this crucial cause.

All the money raised in this appeal will be spent on Unicef’s vital work for children who have been abducted by rebel groups and forced into armed conflict in CAR.

Unicef - the United Nations children's fund - is the world's leading charity for children.

Please be as generous as you can. Click here to donate now, or send a text message with the word "child" to 70030 to donate £5.

• £25 provides a child with all the essentials they need when they are first rescued: including a mosquito net, mattress, clothes and a toothbrush

• £62 provides vocational training to a child released from armed groups

• £103 trains a teacher for children rescued from armed groups

• £150 pays for psychological support for one child who has been rescued from armed groups

 
• £300 buys enough toys for a centre for 50 rescued children to play with, helping them regain their childhood

• £516 supports one child rescued from war for a whole month. This covers the cost of everything they need, including care, food, counselling and education

Thanks for your support!