Clemantine Wamariya

I enjoyed playing everywhere, especially my mother's garden and my neighbor's. I loved my kindergarten. We sang songs; we played everywhere and ate lunch. I had a childhood that I would wish for anyone.

Children tell the truth.

People say you can't change the world. But you can change people.

When you receive an education, you pass it on.

Words will never be enough to quantify and qualify the many magnitudes of human-caused destruction.

The idea of somebody suffering is really painful to every human. In our collective language, we all too often see those who are suffering as a victim to be pitied, to be feared, and even sometimes to be despised. I want to redirect that narrative.

The world is part of us, and we are part of the world. Even through the smallest acts, we can demonstrate that. I believe in the human spirit, in the kindness in all of us, and I am hopeful for this world.

I want to tap into everyone's senses, to touch on our human sensibility.

It is so important to share experiences with one another. Humans are so often in their own heads and not looking to others. But we have to realize that we are always invited to be a part of someone else's story - we are together in this.

From age six to 12, I lived in seven different countries, moving from one refugee camp to another, hoping we would be wanted.

I'm not a victim - I'm a survivor of hunger, of hate, of different injustices that humans are facing today.

I truly hope readers learn to believe in their imaginations and their ability to shape their own lives. That's what 'The Girl Who Smiled Beads' means to me.