In the north of the Central African Republic, there are as many as 100 child rebels. Among these, the youngest are just 8 years old.

A year ago, they were demobilised with the help of UNICEF. However, the schools have not reopened yet, and no one is taking care of them.

The father of Amina was a fighter. Her job was to help load ammunition in machine gun magazines.

"My Dad was a rebel, but he was killed, so I joind up," explains Amina. "Now, I'm just waiting for school to open."

The rebels took up arms to protest against the poor state of their region. Though they pledged to a ceasefire a year ago, schools and hospitals have not reopened, and the fighters are getting impatient.

"We are waiting for talks with the government," says the rebel's leader. "If they meet our demands, we'll hand our weapons in, but if they don't, we'll take them up again," he warned.

Peace in the region is very fragile. If it is to endure, both the central government and the international community will need to step up efforts to find a lasting settlement.

Meanwhile in the village, the only teaching children receive is through evening classes in Koranic schools.

The government has committed to organizing peace talks, but no one knows when. Back in the village, people are hoping normal life will return soon.