Des rues de Kinshasa aux tapis rouges des Oscars | Rachel Mwanza | TEDxParis

Summary

Denise R. Quivu shares her remarkable journey from being accused of witchcraft in the Democratic Republic of Congo to finding hope and success in Canada. Born into a family that fell into poverty, Denise faced years of hardship, rejection, and survival on the streets. However, her life transformed when she starred in the film 'Kinshasa Kids,' which led to her receiving education and support. Now an award-winning actress, she emphasizes the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and ignorance, urging the world to remember the street children still dreaming of a better future.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The storyteller, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, shares a personal journey of hardship and resilience.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The narrator's family faced difficulties after the father lost his job, leading to their relocation and eventual separation.
• 😢 The storyteller experienced profound neglect and abuse, being falsely labeled as a witch by a false prophet.
• 🚸 Forced into poverty, the narrator became a street child, struggling to survive while longing for education and a better life.
• 🎬 The turning point came when the narrator participated in a documentary, Kinshasa Kids, which provided a glimmer of hope.
• 🏆 After landing a lead role in a film, the narrator transitioned from the streets to success, gaining recognition at festivals.
• 🎓 Education emerged as a crucial theme, with the storyteller emphasizing its importance in breaking the cycle of poverty and ignorance.
• ❤️ Despite newfound success, the narrator remained empathetic towards their family's struggles and sought to help them.
• 🏠 The storyteller now lives in Quebec, pursuing dreams and education with the support of a host family.
• 💖 The closing message emphasizes hope and resilience, encouraging others to remember that 'as long as the heart beats, everything is possible.'

Q & A

What is the central theme of the speaker's story?

The central theme is one of courage, strength, and faith in overcoming adversity, particularly the challenges faced by street children in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

What circumstances led to the speaker's family losing stability?

The speaker's family lost stability when the father lost his job as an agent in a diamond mine, which forced the family to move to Kinshasa in search of work.

How did the speaker's life change after being labeled a witch?

After being labeled a witch, the speaker faced severe mistreatment, including accusations, forced fasting, and isolation from peers, which led to homelessness.

What experiences did the speaker have as a 'shégué' or street child?

As a street child, the speaker learned to survive by selling water and peanuts, and endured hunger, isolation, and a lack of love, while remembering happier times in school.

How did participating in the documentary 'Kinshasa Kids' impact the speaker's life?

Participating in 'Kinshasa Kids' provided the speaker with a chance to earn money, and it eventually led to her getting a lead role in a Canadian film, changing her life circumstances.

What actions did the film crew take to support the speaker's family?

The film crew supported the speaker's family by providing them with financial assistance and helping the speaker return to school, fulfilling her long-held dream.

What is the significance of education in the speaker's message?

Education is portrayed as a crucial factor in breaking the cycle of poverty and ignorance, which often leads to children being marginalized and accused of witchcraft.

How does the speaker relate her mother's struggles to the broader issue of education?

The speaker explains that her mother's lack of access to education contributed to their family's struggles, highlighting how poverty and ignorance can perpetuate harmful cycles.

What does the speaker mean by the phrase 'As long as the heart beats, everything is possible'?

This phrase emphasizes hope and resilience, suggesting that as long as one is alive, there is always a chance for change and the realization of dreams.

What future aspirations does the speaker have?

The speaker aspires to pursue her studies and regain the time lost during her childhood, while also advocating for other street children who still need support.