Sierra Leone is the poorest country in Africa. Yet it is populated by
people who are hopeful, and aspire to better themselves through education,
proper health care, and through putting behind them the horrors of civil
war.
Kathleen Martin spent several weeks in the tiny village of Kamakwie in
the interior of the West African country. Here she spoke to the people -
and the children -- about their lives, their aspirations, and their
memories of war. The experience was a revelation, which she has so
wonderfully chronicled in this moving and inspiring portrait of a people
willing to forgive so they can look to the future with regained hope and
dignity.
To learn more visit
kamakwie.org.
Reviews:
"Kamakwie is a wonderful piece of literature that has the
ability to touch the hearts and minds of North Americans. It is refreshing
to see Ms. Martin translate the lives of youth affected by war in Sierra
Leone in such a powerful, yet honest and hopeful manner."
-Lt. Gen. Roméo Dallaire, author of the best-selling, Governor
General's Award winner Shake Hands With the Devil.
Kathleen Martin is an editor, writer, and executive director of
the Canadian Sea Turtle Network. She is the author of six non-fiction books
for children. She lives in Halifax.