The Invisible Children

 Recently I watched another short documentary film by Invisible Children.  They told a new chapter in the story of the war in northern Uganda and its effects and causes.  I have seen the previous films and have been touched by many of them.  Sometimes I can do stuff and sometimes I can't but I figured one good way to is let people at least aware of it.  Here is information on what Invisible Children is and their goals and ideas.

Around the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story. It started out as a filmmaking adventure but then transformed into a much bigger story then these young men from the U.S. could ever imagine.  They found a tragedy that disturbed them but at the same time inspired them.  It was a tragedy "where children are both the weapons and the victims."(Invisiblechildren.com)

After returning to U.S. they created the documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut," a film that shows the tragic realities of northern Ugandans night commuters and child soldiers. "The film was originally shown to friends and family, but has now been seen by millions of people. The overwhelming response has been, "How can I help?" To answer this question, the non-profit Invisible Children, Inc. was created, giving compassionate individuals an effective way to respond to the situation."(Invisiblechildren.com)

"We are storytellers. We are visionaries, humanitarians, artists, and entrepreneurs. We are individuals part of a generation eager for change and willing to pursue it."(About Invisible Children)  They are a non-profit organization that works "to transform apathy into activism"(Invisible Children the movement).  Kid are taken nightly by the LRA (Lords Resistance Army) and brainwashed to fight for the LRA rebels.  It is a cycle of mass genocide and kidnapping where the children are most affected.  By documenting the lives of the people who live in regions of war and injustice, they hope to educate and inspire others in the developed western world to use our strong peaceful voice for change. Our media lets us create an opening for an opportunity for people to become "part of a grassroots movement that intelligently responds to what’s happening in the world." (InivisbleChildren.com)

Their work extends beyond our borders. "In war-affected regions we focus on long-term development, working directly with individuals and institutions that are eager to realize their full potential. Through education and innovative economic opportunities, we partner with affected communities and strive to improve the quality of life for individuals living in conflict and post-conflict regions."(InivisbleChildren.com)

     Their approach to humanitarian work is in and through the strength and intelligence of the Ugandan community. They learned and saw it was essential to listen to the wisdom of people that had not only lived in the war, but were still surviving it. The people who would know better than anyone what the most important needs of the country were and the best ways to meet them. They found that while there have been many efforts to try to address and fix the issues that come from living and fighting in such a long war, the people of Uganda are asking for a future beyond the conflict.

They have many programs that are between them and those in the Ugandan community.  They focus on long-term goals that will let children to take responsibility for their future and the future of their country.  "Our programs are carefully researched and developed initiatives that address the need for quality education, mentorships, the redevelopment of schools, resettlement from the camps, and financial stability." (InivisbleChildren.com)

If you would like to find out more on Invisible children and there various, programs, fund raising efforts, or events learn more at http://www.invisiblechildren.com and to learn about the war in Uganda visit http://www.invisiblechildren.com/about/history/