Image and video by Michel Chikwanine.
Michel Chikwanine was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and grew up amid the terror of the Great War of Africa that claimed the lives of 5.8 million people. He witnessed the torture of his father, the rape of his mother, and was forced into war as a child soldier. In this video for Heart On Collective, Michel talks with us about Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War — a book he co-wrote with Jessica Dee Humphreys that chronicles his story as a child soldier, his escape and later journey to Canada as a refugee.
He is not alone in his story. Estimates suggest as many as 250,000 child soldiers are active in conflicts around the world.
According to Michel, the most effective way to stop the use of child soldiers is to end the wars in which they fight. And that is a real challenge. It involves a deep understanding of the roots and history of conflict, viable political solutions and change from within. Various human rights groups have set up organizations and programs to research, prevent the use of, advocate for and/or rehabilitate former child soldiers, including The Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative.
Despite his struggles, Michel now channels his story into good, inspiring people to believe in their ability to make a difference, to maintain hope against all odds and to step up as socially responsible citizens.
– Heart On –
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