EVERETT — A former child soldier from the Democratic Republic of Congo is scheduled to share his story of capture and escape at 12:30 p.m. May 3 at Everett Community College’s Baker Hall, Room 120.

The event is free and open to the public.

Michel Chikwanine grew up during the conflict known as the Great War of Africa. It started in 1998 and involved multiple African nations and armed groups. His home country was formerly known as Zaire.

Chikwanine was forced to become a child soldier. He escaped and became a political refugee at age 11. He’s now in his early 20s

He witnessed the torture of his father, who was singled out for his political beliefs, the rape of his mother and endured torture of his own.

Much of Chikwanine’s childhood was ravaged by the death and decay of a war that claimed the lives of 3.8 million people, including his father.

After fleeing to Canada in 2004, he attended high school in Ottawa, and won the Spirit of the Capital Youth Award for Personal Courage. He has since spoken to more than 100,000 people across North America.

More info

Contact Student Activities Adviser Lindsay Hudson at 425-388-9508 or lhudson@everettcc.edu.