I wrote 'The Blue Sweater' to inspire more people to become engaged in working to solve the problems of global poverty.

I feel like I'm a relentless, pragmatic, determined optimist.

Africa can stun you in an instant. It can throw floods and drought and disease at you, sometimes all at the same time. In the next moment, it will tease you with its magnificent beauty, so even if you don't forget, you can find a way to forgive. Ultimately, it keeps you coming back for more.

I believe the government should ensure all children are provided with a good education.

People need to believe that they can participate fully in the decisions that affect their lives and have a stake in the societies in which they live

What would the world look like if we asked ourselves the following more often; are our actions helping others find a way to feel more freer, more dignified and more beautiful?

Our actions - and inaction - touch people every day, people we may never know and never meet.