Born in the DRC, Michel Chikwanine is forced to flee his country at the age of 11 years. Most of his childhood is marked by death: a decade of war has killed more than 5.8 million people - including his father - and forces him to become a child soldier.

Michel now inspires people to believe in their ability to make a difference and gives the public a new perspective of life, a sense of hope through social responsibility and a desire for change.

Today, Michel is an accomplished motivational speaker and co-author of Child Soldier: "When Boys and Girls Are Used in War".