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Michel Chikwanine

Former Child Soldier | Inspirational Speaker on the Ability to Create Change

Michel Chikwanine
Former Child Soldier
Michel Chikwanine
LG: Making the Game Beautiful
Fight Like Soldiers
Michel
Michel Chikwanine
Michel Chikwanine
Former Child Soldier
Michel Chikwanine
LG: Making the Game Beautiful
Fight Like Soldiers

Michel Chikwanine has overcome unimaginable pain and struggles. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he grew up amid the terror of the Great War of Africa. Much of his childhood was ravaged by the death and decay of a war that claimed the lives of 5.8 million people, his father included, and forced him to be a child soldier. Now a United Nations Fellow for People of African Descent, Chikwanine inspires people to believe in their ability to make a difference and leaves audiences with a new perspective on life, a sense of hope through social responsibility, and a desire for change.

An accomplished motivational speaker and author, Chikwanine has shared the stage with such distinguished speakers as Dr. Jane Goodall, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former Prime Minister Paul Martin, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, former US Vice-President Al Gore, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr., Nobel Peace Prize laureate Betty Williams, actress Mia Farrow, and musician K’naan, to name a few. He was also a speaker on Oprah’s “O Ambassadors Roots of Action” speaking tour.

Chikwanine’s story has captured the attention of national media, seeing him featured on CBC and CTV as well as in major daily newspapers. He is the author of the graphic novel, Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls are Used in War and is currently a Performance Lifestyle Advisor for the NBA.

Speaking topics

Presentations listed below include in-person and virtual keynotes, as well as workshops, fireside chats, and other presentation formats.

  • A Journey to Hope: From Child Soldier to Activist

    An educational and inspirational speech that will give your audience the tools to start making a difference today.

    In his gripping presentation, Michel Chikwanine details his incredible story of being a child soldier, his miraculous escape, and his subsequent fight to end an issue that has affected his entire life.

    Chikwanine shares his experiences with trauma, and how drumming and storytelling have helped him find healing and purpose, and how audiences can do the same.

  • Courage to Overcome Fear

    Michel Chikwanine’s childhood was characterized by incredible trauma, perseverance and courage. Despite his difficult past, he’s succeeded against all odds.

    This presentation focuses on Chikwanine’s story as a young Congolese man guided by family, resolution, and fierce determination. He speaks on perseverance and overcoming fear as important aspects of his personal foundation, and how these can be harnessed by anyone to achieve personal and/or professional success.

    Ideal for groups looking for a mix of inspiration and information, this presentation is also suitable for elementary and middle schools that are interested in addressing bullying, conquering fear, and thriving.

  • Leadership

    As a child soldier, Michel Chikwanine grew up under a dictator who exemplified all the qualities of a terrible leader.

    In this deeply personal presentation, Chikwanine looks at inspiring African leaders who have left positive legacies across the continent, and the meaning and importance of good leadership. He highlights ways we can learn from their admirable qualities for us to be more impactful leaders — in the world and in the workplace.

    Good leadership isn’t just a skill for special people, but a quality that all of us possess.

  • Refugee to Author: My Canadian Journey

    In 1998, Michel Chikwanine and his family were forced to leave everything they had because of his father’s dedication to protecting human rights. In this presentation, he speaks about the difficult journey refugees must take to survive, and his move to Canada where he was accepted and encouraged by a community that embraced him and helped him thrive.

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Related Content

More great information and resources.

Books

  • Child Soldier
    Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War

    Michel is like many other five-year-olds: he has a loving family and spends his days going to...

    → Read More

Articles

Client reviews

  • Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology

    Michel’s presentation was amazing. Everyone loved it and the comments were all so appreciative of what Michel has gone through and his humble nature. Here are some of the messages that we received about the event:

    • “Michel gives me hope for the future, to know there are young leaders like him around to help make the world a more positive place”
    • “Michel is such an accomplished speaker with a compelling story to tell. He shared many important lessons with us as well.”
    • “One of the best Black History Month virtual events”

    Thank you for this recommendation. Looking forward to working with Speakers’ Spotlight for future events.

  • Bodwell High School

    It was such an honour to have Michel present at the school and made this special day that much more special.  It was certainly a full house!  His speech really touched a lot of hearts as he spoke eloquently and very much from his own personal perspective and experience.  He answered our student’s questions with incredible skill and wisdom, giving them practical, powerful and inspiring advice for their road ahead.  He was also very generous in taking photos with the student group and scholarship winners.  Michel is such a kind and impressive young man.

  • University of Arkansas at Little Rock

    We LOVED Michel.  His speech was everything we could have dreamed for it to be. It was poignant, dynamic, and I found myself in tears several times. He was truly a joy to work with, as was your agency, and I’m glad that you all do what you can to positively impact the world.  When we look for speakers in the future we will for sure consider your agency!  Thank you for helping us with such an amazing event!

  • Social Justice Youth Conference

    Working with Michel Chikwanine and Speaker’s Spotlight has undoubtedly been the best conference keynote experience I have ever had!  Speakers Spotlight provided the most efficient, upbeat and exceptionally professional service I have every experienced. And Michel!! Wow! His presentation is so powerful; any audience would have the experience of their lives.  His story, in turns breathtakingly intense, then hilarious and uplifting, makes him the most gifted speaker I have every heard. Students loved him, adults loved him. On top of all of this, he is genuine, kind and down to earth. It was a real pleasure, and honour, to have him be such an integral part of our conference.

  • Listowel District Secondary School

    We absolutely loved Michel.  He is probably the best speaker I have heard. Students stopped him in the hall to thank him and teachers and staff have thanked me for bringing Michel to our school. It is an amazing life for him to live through. I liked that he talked so highly of his family and that he left students for something to think of as they buy a cell phone or complain about life’s stressors.

  • QIPD Conference

    I wanted to say that I enjoyed your speech very much. The content of your speech was, of course, very moving – what you are doing is so important. Everyone loved it!

  • Listowel District Secondary School

    We absolutely loved Michel! Students stopped him in the hall to thank him and teachers and staff have thanked me for bringing Michel to our school. It is an amazing life for him to live through. I liked that he talked so highly of his family and that he left students something to think of as they buy a cell phone or complain about life’s stresses. He was the best speaker I’ve heard!

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