The Sierra Leone Civil War lasted eleven years and left Sierra Leone fearful and hopeless. The Revolutionary United Front (RUF) bombed the country but faced constant resistance from the Sierra Leone army. Both sides relied heavily on child soldiers during the war and it is estimated that between 5,000 and 10,000 child soldiers were used collectively by both the Sierra Leone government and the RUF. These children forcibly entered a life of violence and oppression and have struggled to reintegrate into society ever since. Child soldiers have returned home without families or futures, and many still face serious complications. For over 150 years, present-day Sierra Leone was an important colonial asset for the British. Under British control in 1808, the capital Freetown was used as a naval base for anti-slavery patrols. The British governor who controlled the Gold Coast was one of many Europeans to reside in Freetown from 1821 to 1874. Additionally, Fourah Bay College was founded in 1827 and began a major period of educational improvement throughout the west coast of Africa. For over 100 years, this college was the only European-style university south of the Sahara Desert. Perhaps with the help of the established college, a series of riots began to occur throughout Sierra Leone after a hut tax was imposed on all residents of the country. In response to the anger of the inhabitants, a constitution was proposed in 1951 and the people began to gain power from the British. Only 9 years later, Sir Milton Margai returns from London as the first Prime Minister of Sierra Leone after discussing constitutional actions with the British. On April 27, 1961, Sierra Leone became an independent nation with Sir...... middle of paper ...... rim Reality," 565-587.. Beah, A Long Way Gone, 139-141.20. Betancourt et al., “High Hopes, Sad Reality,” 565-587.21 Betancourt et al., “High Hopes, Sad Reality,” 565-587.22. African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (np: Organization of African Unity, 1990), 5-6, last accessed 21 May 2014, http://www.au.int/en/sites/default/files/Charter_En_African_Charter_on_the_ Rights_and_Wlefare_of_the_Child_AddisAbaba_July1990.pdf.23, "High Hopes, Grim Reality", Shepler, "The Rites of the Child," " 197-211.25. IRIN, “Sierra Leone: Child Soldier Rehabilitation Program Runs Out of Money,” IRIN Humanitarian News and Analysis, last modified July 22, 2003, accessed May 20, 2014, http://www.irinnews.org/report/45097 /sierra-leone-child-soldier-rehabilitation-programme-runs-out-of-cash.26 Beah, A Long Way Gone, 136.