Comic

Name  : Litia Darmawati

D.4.1

12.23.125

THE BATTLE OF THE
VILLAGES

EVEN WARS HAVE LIMITS
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS ICRC
CONTRIBUTIONS
The International Committee of the Red Cross would like to thank the following for
their valuable support and contribution in the development of this comic book:
The Kenya Ministry of Education and the teachers and pupils of :
Pitpagh Primary School (West Pokot), Sangach Primary School (Marakwet), Koloa Primary School (East Baringo), Imonpoquet
Primary School (West Pokot), Kapsangar Primary School (West Pokot), Kipteber Primary School (Marakwet) Gatuanyaga
Primary School (Thika), Ngoriba Primary School (Thika) and Limuru Model Primary School (Limuru)
PRODUCTION:
“The Battle of The Villages” is a production of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Nairobi Regional Delegation, 2002
Project Coordination: Vincent Bernard, Communication Delegate, ICRC.
Research and Editorial work: Emmanuel Nyabera, Dissemination Officer, Florian Westphal, Regional Information Delegate, ICRC.
Script-Writing & Art Direction: Nduhiu Change, Artage Communications
Illustrations: Henry Koske´, Artage Communications
Computer Graphics: Davidson Njoroge, Artage Communications
Pretesting & Research: Eva Slater, Artage Communications, Anne Kilimo & Robin Waudo, Communication Officers, ICRC,
Lucy Chai, Communication Assistant, ICRC
INTRODUCTION
“The fast blowing wind
does not sweep everything away.”
(Pokot proverb, Kenya)
Dear Reader,
Wars happen all over the world and sometimes it seems nothing will ever stop the
violence. However, we should never forget that even wars have limits! In every country,
religion and culture, we find rules and traditions designed to reduce the suffering caused
by wars. These norms are at the heart of International Humanitarian Law, a universal
set of rules that protects war victims, especially children and women, and prevents
fighters from using certain arms and weapons.
The International Committee of the Red Cross {ICRC) helps victims of war across the
world and works to protect their rights and dignity. The human suffering caused by war
is also the subject of this new comic book. The story deals with two communities, the
Zutas and the Amas. Unable to live in peace with each other, they resort to violence,
causing much suffering in both villages. How far will they go? Will they manage to find
ways to limit the effects of their war?
Of course, the Amas and Zutas don’t exist in reality but similar stories can be found in
war zones across the world. So what can you do about this? Read this comic and
discuss with your friends what difference you could make in this kind of situation. What
do you think should be done to reduce the suffering of victims when war breaks out?
We in the ICRC think that in the end everybody has a choice, that of human life and
dignity. We hope you agree and join us in spreading these important ideas.
At the end of this book, you will find games and more information about the Red Cross
and what it does.
Enjoy the story!
Vincent Nicod
Head of the ICRC’s Nairobi Delegation
1
Script & Art Direction:
Illustrations:
Computer Graphics:
Nduhiu Change
Henry Koske
Davidson Njoroge
A story on International Humanitarian Law published by
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
THE BATTLE
OF THE
VILLAGES
THE BATTLE
OF THE
VILLAGES
It’s time to teach
those Ama thieves
another lesson.
I need a slave boy to
herd my father’s goats
for me. Maybe also to
play with.
I’ll capture a wife
tonight. Mine is getting
rather old.
2
SOME CHARACTERS IN THE STORY
HANNA JOHN
JUMA
MARIA
MRS. MUSA MR. MUSA OLD AMA WOMAN
MAN FROM THE
RED CROSS
ZUTA CHIEF
AMA CHIEF ANGRY AMA MAN
ZUTA WARRIOR
ZUTA WARRIOR ZUTA WARRIOR ZUTA WARRIOR
3
THE SMALL VILLAGE OF AMA FALLS QUIET AS DUSK CREEPS IN. THE VILLAGERS RUSH HOME BECAUSE
NO ONE WANTS TO BE OUT IN THE OMINOUS DARK. FOR YEARS, THE PEOPLE OF AMA HAVE KNOWN
LITTLE ELSE BUT NERVOUSNESS AND FEAR.
AMA HAS BEEN ENGAGED IN A BITTER AND LONG STRUGGLE WITH THE NEIGHBOURING VILLAGE OF ZUTA.
NO ONE REMEMBERS HOW IT ALL STARTED BUT EACH VILLAGE BLAMES THE OTHER. MANY LIVES HAVE
BEEN LOST AND PROPERTY DESTROYED IN BOTH VILLAGES. ONCE PEACEFUL NEIGHBOURS, AMA AND ZUTA
HAVE TURNED INTO ARCH-ENEMIES, UNWILLING TO SETTLE THEIR DISPUTE PEACEFULLY.
4
A FAMILY FROM AMA, MR. AND MRS. MUSA AND THEIR TWO CHILDREN
ARE GETTING READY FOR THE LONG UNCERTAIN NIGHT AHEAD.
Hurry up John and lock up the cows. We need to
get into the house quickly in case those Zuta
bandits come tonight.
Help me get the water and firewood
inside, Hanna. We have to get the meal
ready and settle down for the night.
Father, why are the people in Zuta our enemies?
It all started when they got greedy and
decided to seize the only well in this area.
LATER, AS THE FAMILY SITS DOWN TO EAT, THEY DISCUSS THEIR
SECURITY PROBLEMS.
5
Father, but I also heard
that our warriors took
over the hunting
grounds.
That’s right Hanna, but
we did not start all this
trouble. They did, so we
had to get even.
But when will all this
end? I’m fed up with
being scared all the
time.
I don’t understand all this.
The other day I met a boy
from Zuta as I was herding
our cattle. He seemed okay
and I wouldn’t mind being
friends with him.
No you can’t do that!!
We cannot mix with
those thieves until they
give up the well.
And will we give up the
hunting grounds?
Listen John! Don’t get
smart with me. Finish
your food and go to
bed.
Yes father.
MEANWHILE, SOME VILLAGERS IN ZUTA ARE ALSO GETTING READY FOR THE NIGHT, BUT IN A DIFFERENT WAY.
THEY HAVE ARMED THEMSELVES HEAVILY TO DO BATTLE WITH THEIR AMA NEIGHBOURS.
6
UNAWARE OF THE DANGER, THE PEOPLE OF AMA COOK THEIR MEALS AND PREPARE FOR THE NIGHT.
MEANWHILE, UNKNOWN TO THE ZUTAS, AN AMA BOY IS
WATCHING THEIR EVERY MOVE FROM THE SAFETY OF A BUSH.
BUT HE ACCIDENTALLY KICKS LOOSE A ROCK,
BLOWING HIS COVER.
It’s time to teach
those Ama thieves
another lesson.
I need a slave boy to
herd my father’s goats
for me. Maybe also to
play with.
I’ll capture a new
wife tonight. Mine is
getting rather old.
THE GROUP WALKS MENACINGLY TOWARDS THEIR LONG-TIME ENEMIES, READY TO ATTACK.
7
SENSING THE DANGER HE IS IN, THE BOY SPRINTS OFF TOWARDS AMA WITH THE ZUTAS
IN HOT PURSUIT.
FORTUNATELY FOR HIM, THE BOY KNOWS THE AREA
WELL. HE SOON MANAGES TO SHAKE OFF THE ZUTAS.
THE BOY’S CRIES FOR HELP ALERT THE AMA WARRIORS WHO COME TO HIS RESCUE.
HELP! HELP! THE ZUTAS ARE COMING!!
8
QUICKLY AMA VILLAGE TURNS INTO A BATTLEFIELD. THE AMA FIGHTERS ARE NOT AS WELL PREPARED OR ARMED
AS THE ZUTA....
....AND ARE SOON FORCED TO RETREAT. SOME OF THEM MANAGE TO HIDE IN THE BUSHES WHILE OTHERS ARE
CAPTURED.
WITHOUT THEIR WARRIORS, THE PEOPLE OF AMA ARE AT THE MERCY OF THE ZUTAS, WHO BEAT THEM VICIOUSLY
AND TAKE SOME PRISONERS. SHRIEKS OF PAIN AND ANGUISH PIERCE THE NIGHT.
9
Long live Zuta! And down with the enemy
forever!!
I want this one to be my second wife.
I caught her myself.
THE NEXT DAY........
THE PEOPLE OF ZUTA ARE CELEBRATING THEIR VICTORY. THE PRISONERS ARE BROUGHT OUT FOR ALL TO SEE.
AMONG THEM IS HANNA, MUSA’S DAUGHTER. THE CHIEF ADDRESSES HIS PEOPLE.
Good morning fellow villagers. As you can see, today is a very
special day for all of us. Not only are the rains good but we
have also won a heroic battle and taken some prisoners.
10
MEANWHILE, THE PEOPLE OF AMA ARE IN MOURNING. THEIR CHIEF IS AT HAND TO CONSOLE THEM AND A
VISITOR HAS ARRIVED TO HELP THE WOUNDED.
Fellow villagers we have suffered another big
blow at the hands of our murderous enemies.
We have to act now. It’s time to finish off these
Zuta bandits once and for all. Any ideas?
To hit them where it hurts, we
should target the women and
children. They are easy prey.
I think we should poison the well
they stole from us. That should
take care of them.
We should also kill their animals
and burn their crops.
You’re all right, that would really hurt the Zutas.
But ask yourselves, is it right to do such things to
fellow human beings?
Of course it is. They
did it to us, so we have
to hit back or they’ll
think we’re cowards
and attack us again.
Fine, it’s okay to protect
yourselves but why do you
have to hurt those who are
not fighting, like the
women and children?
11
Who cares, they didn’t spare any
of us!!
I think we should care. Why should
children, women and old people have
to suffer for a war they are not
involved in? Our culture and
traditions do not allow that.
I agree!! Also I don’t think we
should do things like poisoning
wells. It would be unfair and cruel.
Everyone, including those not
fighting, will suffer.
Besides, we could end up killing our own people like my
sister Hanna, who has been abducted by the Zutas. You’re right, John. We should think about
this carefully before we do anything.
What is there to think about? Let’s just arm
ourselves, go to Zuta and take our revenge now!!
But that’s just what they expect, so they’ll be ready
for us. I suggest the chief appoints a team to plan
our next move.
MOST VILLAGERS AGREE WITH THE OLD MAN’S SUGGESTION AND THE MEETING COMES TO AN END.
12
THE CELEBRATIONS ARE OVER AND THE VILLAGERS ARE SETTLING DOWN
FOR THE NIGHT. HANNA HAS BEEN TAKEN TO HER CAPTOR’S HOME.
This is so sad.
She is just a
child like my
brother and I.
She looks so
miserable.
Poor child. She
should be with
her family.
She’ll make me a
fine wife some day
soon.
Okay now children, it’s time for
bed. Maria, take our little slave
to your room. She will sleep on
your floor for now.
Okay girls, sweet dreams. I’ll see
you in the morning.
AS SOON AS THE DOOR IS CLOSED, MARIA INVITES HANNA TO SHARE
THE BED WITH HER. HANNA IS RELUCTANT BUT AGREES.
MEANWHILE IN ZUTA VILLAGE...
13
I’m really sorry. You
must be so scared.
I feel so miserable. I
wonder if I’ll ever see my
family and friends again.
You never know. Maybe the adults will see sense and
let you go home soon. For now let’s try and sleep.
LATER IN THE NIGHT....
Maria, are you
awake?
Yes, come in Juma, but
be quiet
Girls, we need to talk. You know I think what the
grown-ups here and in Ama are doing is wrong.
You’re right, Juma but what can we do? You know we
are not supposed to have a voice. As the adults say,
“Children should be seen but not heard”.
14
They don’t want us to talk, yet they are quite happy to
have us fight adult wars. All this is just wrong. Maria, you
and I would not want to be in Hanna’s situation, so why
don’t we help her escape?
But how can we do that? It’s dark and cold, and
there are many guards.
We can wait until dawn when there’s more light and
the guards are sleepy.
That’s a good idea. We can smuggle her out through
the window and show her the way back to her village.
Good idea. Let’s do it very early and get back
before anyone notices Hanna’s gone.
:
You two are great. I don’t know how to thank you.
Don’t bother with thanks for now. Just pray that
this works. Anyway, go to sleep now. We have to be
up early. Good night.
15
:
LATER AT DAWN....
THE THREE CHILDREN SNEAK NOISELESSLY OUT OF THE HOUSE. EVERYTHING GOES TO PLAN BUT THEY
NEARLY GET CAUGHT BY A GUARD.HOWEVER, HE I TO SLEEPY AND THEY MANAGE TO GET PAST HIM.
FINALLY, THEY CAN SEE AMA IN THE DISTANCE. IT’S
TIME TO SAY GOODBYE
There’s your village Hanna.
I can’t thank you enough. My parents and my
brother John won’t believe their eyes.
Is John your brother? I met him the other day
and he’s okay really. I’m glad you’ll be home soon.
But run now before we’re found out.
JUMA AND MARIA WAVE GOODBYE TO HANNA AND
HURRY BACK HOME.
What’s that??
Ah! Just another
hare.
16
BACK IN AMA.........
HANNA’S MOTHER IS UP EARLY TO PREPARE BREAKFAST. AS SHE GOES ABOUT HER WORK SHE THINKS SADLY
ABOUT HER KIDNAPPED DAUGHTER.
My poor baby. I wonder if I’ll ever see
her again. She must feel so lost.
AT THAT VERY MOMENT HANNA ARRIVES BACK HOME.
Mum! Mum! I’m so
happy to see you!
:
Hanna!!! You’re back.
Thank God!!!
FINALLY REUNITED, THE FAMILY GOES
INTO THE HOUSE WHERE HANNA
TELLS THE STORY OF HER ESCAPE.
17
NEWS OF HANNA’S GREAT ESCAPE QUICKLY SPREADS THROUGHOUT AMA. EVERYONE IS DELIGHTED AND
SURPRISED THAT ANYONE IN ZUTA COULD BE CAPABLE OF DOING ANY GOOD.
BUT ONE PERSON IS NOT IMPRESSED.
I knew there must be some good Zutas.
The only good Zuta is a
dead Zuta!
These bandits are just trying
to deceive us. It’s time I
taught these Zuta murderers
a lesson or two.
18
Good!!
The guard is not
around!
19
There!!! That should get rid of
quite a few of them.
THE NEXT DAY IN ZUTA .......
MARIA AND JUMA HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE WELL TO
FETCH WATER AND TO LET THEIR CATTLE DRINK.
20
AFTER FETCHING SOME WATER AND MAKING SURE THE COWS DRINK ENOUGH, THE CHILDREN HEAD BACK
HOME.
I hope Hanna got home
okay.
So do I. But there’s no point thinking about her.
We’ll probably never see her again.
It’s a pity really. I liked her a lot. Who knows? Maybe one day the war will end and we
can be friends.
BUT MARIA AND JUMA ARE IN FOR A SURPRISE.
HANNA AND JOHN WHO ARE ON THEIR WAY FROM
THE SHOPS APPEAR IN FRONT OF THEM.
Hanna!!! It’s great to see
you.
Hello John. It’s nice to
see you again.
21
Oh, things are great. It’s
nice to be back home. John
and I wanted to meet you
to say thanks.
You are fantastic. I
still can’t believe
what you did for my
sister.
Oh, it’s okay. I’m sure
you would have done
the same for us.
If only the adults could
end this unnecessary
fighting.
Well, when we’re adults,
we can show them how
to do better.
Yes, but for now let’s get
going before any of the
adults see us. Take care
and see you soon.
Before you go, could you give us
some water?
Sure, there’s
enough here for
everyone.
22
SOMETHING APPEARS TO BE BADLY WRONG IN ZUTA. MANY VILLAGERS ARE VERY SICK AND ALL ARE
COMPLAINING OF STOMACH PAINS. NO ONE KNOWS WHAT IS HAPPENING OR WHAT TO DO.
We have to do something!
My whole family is sick
and our dispensary can’t
help us.
Father, I heard there’s
a man in Ama right now
helping sick and injured
people get better. We
could send for him.
LATER......
Don’t be silly, boy. If he’s in Ama, he’s on
their side and therefore won’t help us.
It must be something we ate. Maybe the butcher slaughtered a sick cow.
23
I heard he works for an organization called
Red Cross. They try to help anyone who is in need,
without taking sides.
And how do you know all this, Juma? I’m starting to
think you might also know how our slave girl escaped.
Look everyone. I found this
bottle by the well. It seems
like someone poisoned
our water.
It must be those Ama thugs.
Let’s go and finish them off
once and for all.
Wait a minute. We should worry about
getting better first, not going to war.
Perhaps we should send for that Red
Cross person.
But who can we send who will not be attacked?
As the chief of this village, I will go.
I will send word to the Ama chief for
him to meet me near the well.
24
It sounds like a good idea. I don’t
think they will attack a chief but
we must be careful.
EVERYTHING IS ARRANGED AND THE TWO CHIEFS
FINALLY MEET.
I don’t know who did this but it’s completely wrong.
I’ll talk to my people. All this has gone too far. Our
villages should meet soon to discuss our problems.
For now, you should go and contact the Red Cross
to visit your village and help the sick.
SOON AFTER THE CHIEFS’ MEETING THE RED CROSS MAN ARRIVES IN ZUTA TO HELP THE SICK
25
A FEW DAYS LATER, A MEETING BETWEEN AMA AND ZUTA FINALLY TAKES PLACE BY THE WELL
We are gathered here today to discuss how we can
tackle our problems. Recent events in our two villages
have caused unnecessary suffering to all of us.
I agree. We may be enemies but we’re all human
beings and should treat each other with dignity,
even when we fight.
That’s right. We’ve all done things
the wrong way. In my youth, we only
attacked fighters, not civilians.
We’ve all done things that are against our culture
and traditions. For instance, we never used children
to fight our wars. Children should be in school.
26
I don’t know exactly who did it
but it is clear that someone from
Ama poisoned the well.
And by doing that ended up poisoning our own two children, Hanna and
John too.
Perhaps poisoning the well was not such a good idea
after all. I’m glad no one died.
Thank God the Red Cross
was around to help both
our villages.
Maybe we should find
ways to end this. For
example, if we shared the
well, no one would poison
it. There’s enough water
here for everyone.
You’re right. We could talk about
that. For now, all who think we
should do more to protectthose who
are not fighting raise your hands.
27
I think this meeting is a good start. Let’s
talk about how we can better deal with our
differences. Who knows? One day we might
not only share the well but the hunting
grounds as well.
One day we might even have young people from our two villages marrying
each other.
1
28
This comic book has been produced by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in kenya with
the assistance of teachers and pupils for use in primary schools. It is intended both for entertainment and
education to children in upper primary classes. The content of the magazine mainly deals with issues related
to International Humanitarian law.
Specifically, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works on behalf of victims of armed
conflicts. It It tries to prevent their suffering by making sure that they receive assistance and that their basic
needs are met. The ICRC promotrs International Humanitarian Law which provides protection for the victims
of conflicts and limits means and methods of warfare. One of it’s basic principles is the necessary
distinction between combatants and civilians during armed conflicts.
To help pupils easily understand the issues raised in this magazine, an attempt to make the magazine easy,
straightforward and fun has been made.
However, without the teacher’s input and assistance the magazine cannot achieve the desired results. For
this reason. the ICRC would like to request teachers to participate in the dissemination of the messages in
this magazine by coordinating supporting activities relevant to the issuses raised. These could be activities
that have bearing on the particular environment or traditions. To augment the teacher’s ideas, the following
activities are suggested.
Activity 1: Comprehension
To test the pupils’ undersatanding of the content
the pupils could discuss the following questions in
a group session led by the teacher.
1. What are the names of the two villages in this
story?
2. What were the reasons for the fight between
the two villages?
3. What happened to Hanna during the fight?
4. Who helped Hanna and in what way?
5. Who helped the sick people in both the
villages?
6. What was done to the well and what were the
results?
7. Why did the two villages decide to hold a
meeting?
8. Where did this meeting take place?
9. Who caused the problems between the two
villages? (Discuss)
10. What do you think the message in this story
is? (Discuss)
Activity 2: Drama
The story of Zuta and Ama could be used to stage
an interractive drama involving the children. The
children, with the guidance of the teacher could
could help cast the characters and act out the play.
TEACHERS’ PAGE
If possible the play could later be staged for a wider
audience like the whole school or larger community.
If found more appropriate, parts of the story
could be adapted to suit the local environment. For
example, if there are no wells in the area, the man
form Ama could poison food crops in a plantation.
Activity 3: Guided research tour
If time is allowing, pupils could be engaged in a
fact finding tour of the local neighbourhood. This
would aim at getting facts on how earlier communities
handled conflict between themselves and
neighbouring or distant enemies. The tour could
involve visiting and interviewing elderly members
of the community.
Activity 4: Essay
Buuilding on activity 3 above the pupils could then
be asked to write an essay on the subject of conflict.
A suggested title could be “Should wars have
limits?”
Answers to picture puzzle on pupils’ page
1. Black hat on head of Ama soldier (Picture B)
2. Zuta man missing bandage (Picture A)
3. Plant near well missing a leaf (Picture A)
4. Laughing man missing tooth (Picture B)
5. Birds in the distance (Picture B)
6. Hanna missing finger (Picture B)
7. Boy missing ear (Picture A)
8. Chief missing walking stick (Picture A)
9. Man missing foot (Picture A)
10. The words “The End “ m,issing letter T (Picture B)
The following activities are related to the story you have just read and are meant for
your education and entertainment. You could attempt them on your own or share the
fun with a friend or friends.
The words
1. Fighting
2. Battle
3. Village
4. Anguish
5. Poison
6. Well
7. Comic
8. Hanna
9. John
10. Red Cross
A E G A L L I V G R
T B A T T L E V N E
U R G C O M I C I D
Z H G T L L I V T C
Q A A N G U I S H R
E N G A L A Z J G O
E N N U T I O P I S
G A Z A W H I V F S
W E L L N O S I O P
B
A
SPOT THE DIFFERENCES!
The pictures shown here (A and B) may appear to be exactly alike at first.
However, there are ten differences between them. Can you spot them all?
PUPILS’ PAGE
WORD PUZZLE
In the following word puzzle try to find
the 10 words listed here. The words
are all from the story “Battle of the
villages” that you have just read. They
are spelt backwards, forward, across,
diagonally, downwards and upwards. An
example of a word spelt upwards,
“Fighting” has been given for your
guidance.
THE ICRC WORKS
TO PROMOTE HUMAN
DIGNITY FOR PEOPLE
WHO ARE IN DIFFICULT
SITUATIONS BECAUSE
DETENTION: OF ARMED CONFLICT
The ICRC visits people detained in
the course of armed conflicts to
make sure they are treated with
dignity.
PROTECTION:
The ICRC listens to war victims whose
rights are violated during war.
PREVENTIVE ACTION:
The ICRC works to promote awareness
of International Humanitarian Law
among combatants and society at large.
ASSISTANCE:
The ICRC assists millions of war victims
across the world who are displaced or
can no long support themselves by
providing food, shelter material and
other items necessary for survival.
WATER AND HABITAT:
The ICRC helps war victims to have
access to sufficient drinking water
and adequate hygiene.
TRACING:
The ICRC uses its tracing services to
help reunite thousands of people,
including young children, who find
themselves alone and separated from
their families as a result of conflict.
MEDICAL CARE:
The ICRC works to heal those
wounded in fighting and tries to
ensure that everyone has access to
healthcare, even at times of war.
ICRC
COOPERATION:
The ICRC carries out many of its
activities in close cooperation with the
National Red Cross and Red Crescent
societies of the countries it works in.
The ICRC also provides financial and t
echnical assistance to support the
development of national Red Cross or
Red Crescent societies
ADDRESS:
ICRC Nairobi Regional Delegation, Denis Pritt Rd., P.O. Box 73226, Nairobi, Kenya; Tel.: (254) 020 2723963,
2713367, 351374; Fax: (254) 020 2715598; E-mail: nairobi.nai@icrc.org; ICRC Dar Es Salaam, Ali Hassan
Mwinyi & Ruhinde Rd., Plot No. 87, P.O. Box 23431, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Tel.: (255) 222667/ 668552;
Fax: (255) 222 667 797, E-mail: dar_es_salaam.dar@icrc.org