Voices of Courage

I am part of a group called The Women's Refugee Commission. Last year on May 9th 2009 we had Women's Refugee Commission Day.  I was chosen for the Voices of Courage Award.
Here is a picture of me after receiving my award. 


Thanks to all who helped me on my journey 

A taste of my music back home

Choice of Title

The reason I called my book "The Bite of the Mango" is because after the rebels cut off my hands I escaped. I was trying to find my way to a hospital when I ran into a man. His village had just been attacked as well, he gave me a mango off a mango tree because he said I looked hungry ( I was). I struggled to hold the mango because  I was used to having hands. The man offered his help, but I refused,  I wanted to do it by myself.


To me, that felt like a strong turning point in my life. I could have given up but I kept going. That is my main word of advice in life: keep going no matter how tough things get,  you will always get through. 

UNICEF: Mariatu Kamara on the right to live safe from harm

My Aunt told me "never look back, only look forward". But I have learned to do both, I must look back on my country in order to help those in need.

My name is Mariatu Kamara, I have survived the civil war in Sierra Leone (1991-2002). The rebels attacked my village named Magborou. They amputated my hands, I was noticed by  a man who lives in Toronto and he paid for me to go live there. I now live in Toronto.

Bite Of the Mango

I have written and published a young adults book with the help of Susan McClelland. The book is called "The Bite of the Mango". It's a true story about my life in Sierra Leone, the struggles and obstacles I had to overcome.