Class on 'lost boys' of war-torn countries coming to Bay Village Branch Library

Come join the CWRU group at the Bay Village Branch Library for our upcoming session titled “The Voices of Boys” where we delve into the plight of boys fighting for survival in war-torn countries. As one of the cities where some of the rescued “Lost Boys” have been resettled, we will find out their story. 

This is an interactive experience with lively discussion guided by our leader/teacher Barbara Parr as we explore the world of some of the “lost boys.” We will meet at the library, 502 Cahoon Rd., every Monday from 10-11:30 a.m. for eight weeks beginning March 19. Advance registration together with payment of the course fee of $70 is required, and must be received by CWRU no later than March 5. Thereafter walk-ins may sign up as space allows. Class size is limited to 20.

In our readings we encounter the story of young boys fighting for survival in war-torn countries. Their courage, leadership and determination provide inspirational reading. "What is the What?" by Dave Eggers tells the story of the lost boys of Sudan who are pursued by militias, government soldiers, lions, hyenas and life-threatening disease. Many of the boys are rescued and resettled in the U.S. (including Cleveland) to face myriad challenges and heartache.   

"A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah is about the boys from Sierra Leone. At the age of 12, Ishmael fled attacking rebels; at 13 he was picked up by the government army and sent into battle. At 16, he was removed from the fighting by UNICEF and placed in rehabilitation. 

"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding is an exploration into human nature under stress where unencumbered by adult influence, these boys demonstrate the conflict between human nature and the common good. Golding’s allegorical novel acts as a foil for the other memoirs.

A number of Observer readers have joined us in the past for these classes and we look forward to meeting more new people and the insights they bring. These classes are sponsored by Case Western Reserve University’s Adult Continuing Education program. CWRU courses are offered across the Greater Cleveland area. For more information on other classes, call the Office of Continuing Education at 216-368-2090.

For more information on this class or to register, call Marianne at 440-808-0076 or Beverly at 440-835-2917.