This article emphasises that the uprooting and dislocation experienced by Mozambicans has effectively separated children from their own history and cultural traditions. This is a serious problem, as the psychosocial development of children is intimately connected to a sense of their own identity and family background. In previous times a living sense of history was passed down through a rich oral tradition, which was violently interrupted as a result of the war. However, various documentary projects developed in Mozambique and elsewhere have helped to re-engage dislocated children in cultural and community activities. The author suggests development of documentary projects and activities among refugee and displaced children and young persons that could include oral history, photographic projects, autobiography and video. These would help re-establish "collective memory" for children, help them to develop basic communication and learning skills and provide a source of historical and cultural information to the community generally.
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