When three college students – Jason Russell, Laren Poole and Bobby Bailey – traveled to Africa in 2003 in search of a story to film; little did they know they would stumble into the war-torn country of Uganda. The Uganda war continues with child soldiers led by Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), raging through central Africa leaving behind devastation and ruin.
Invisible Children uses film, narration and social activism to raise awareness. Through this awareness they hope to help to end the war and restore the communities in Central Africa to peace and prosperity. Through creativity, Invisible Children has presented and accurately portrayed the tragic realities of the child soldiers with artistic quality. The non-profit raises awareness and propels the viewers and volunteers to participate and advocate against this war. Not only are they advocating against the war, they are also raising funds for rehabilitation in the communities. These programs are helping to rescue former child soldiers, raising the standard of education and offering counsel and support to the individuals that have been affected by the war.
According to UNICEF, “A ‘child soldier’ is defined as any child – boy or girl – under 18 years of age, who is part of any kind of regular or irregular armed force or armed group in any capacity, including, but not limited to: cooks, porters, messengers, and anyone accompanying such groups other than family members. It includes girls and boys recruited for sexual purposes and/or forced marriage. The definition, therefore, does not only refer to a child who is carrying, or has carried weapons.”
I have a passion to work for non-profit organizations and raise awareness in the community. I coordinated an event in December 2010 for Falling Whistles, an organization that advocates against the use of children as human shields in the war in Congo. I learned of Falling Whistles through my sister, when I asked her about the whistle on her keychain two years ago. After researching the organization, I was moved to become an active member in the society. I continued with my research and found Invisible Children and came in direct contact with them when they visited Augusta State University last year. I came to the realization that if someone could be driven towards helping a cause and a community after one conversation, then what could an event do if they reached more than one individual?
Invisible Children is visiting Augusta State University once again on February 21, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held at the D. Douglas Barnard Jr. Amphitheatre on the ASU campus. There will be a screening of their new film, Tony, and a discussion with the “roadies,” the energetic volunteers from Invisible Children, and Evelyn Adong, a mentor from northern Uganda. Come join us at the screening and help spread the word about the cause, and discover the tools to end this war.
My mission is not only propelling myself to continue as a volunteer for bettering a global community, but to inspire others to become involved as well. There is a sense of fulfillment when one dedicates their time to a cause, to enhance an understanding and to contribute to the visual and social movement of mankind.
EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information on Invisible Children, visit INVISIBLECHILDREN.COM. For more on Falling Whistles, visit FALLINGWHISTLES.COM.
A photography and psychology student at Augusta State University, Maleeha Ahmad hopes to use her photography to call viewers to action through art that empowers, inspires and provokes them to make a difference. She is passionate about traveling, family and friends, coffee and good food.
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