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The market in Michel Chikwanine's home town/village

Motivational speaker, child soldier of the Congo, Michel Chikwanine

By 12 years old, Michel Chikwanine of the Democratic Republic of Congo, had seen and experienced more than most people see in a lifetime and, he recently recounted the horrors of his young life during 'Me to We' day at Saugeen District Secondary School (SDSS) in Port Elgin.

As a child of 10, he witnessed the repeated rape of his mother and sisters by soldiers.  At 11, he and his family became refugees and, at 12, his father, an activist for human freedom, died in his arms.

Today, he is an accomplished motivational speaker who addresses audiences across North America about the horrors of war and its affect on the children of the world.  During 'Me to We' day at SDSS, he also spoke to local elementary students as well as adults, carrying his message of the importance of education for change in the world.

SDSS has been holding fundraisers such as the 'vow of silence' to try and reach a goal of $8,500 that can build a school in Sierra Leone.  So far, the school has raised slightly over $7,000.

Me to We is based on five core principles: sustainable development by supporting the work of Free The Children, eco-friendliness, the highest social standards, inspiration and learning and growth.

Me to We is also about inspiring young people to become involved in world affairs and the affairs of children throughout the world.

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Thursday, April 21, 2011