by Sarah Onyango
There is no shortage of inspiring young Africans in our Nation’s Capital! On Tuesday, October 27, 2015, as part of its Fall programming, the Ottawa International Writers Festival hosted a special presentation and discussion on child soldiers and social justice featuring former child soldier Michel Chikwanine and . Jessica helped Michel with his just published book “Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War”. Told in the first person and presented in a graphic novel format, the book presents the gripping story of Michel’s abduction and introduction, as a grade-schooler, to armed warfare in the DRC. Michel’s account of how he escaped, reunited with his family and resettled is an inspiring story of triumph over unimaginably tragic circumstances. Merci, Michel, de ton courage… et de nous avoir éduqué avec tant d’éloquence et de franchise!
