In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story.
What they found was a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them. A story where children are the weapons and the victims of a horrible civil war...
Do any of you know what's going on in Uganda? In a civil war, you need soldiers. The Rebels of the civil war look to the children of Uganda as their source for soldiers.
...Every night in Uganda, THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN leave their homes out of fear of abduction and walk miles into town to sleep...
Rebel Soldiers raid villages during the night, and every child they find, aged 5-12 years old, they kidnapp. If the parents refuse, the child is forced to watch as his mother or sister is raped, and then killed in front of his eyes. Then, they take all of the children and march back to the camps of the army. The children are lined up, and one is chosen. That one is taken in front to face the others. That child is then shot and killed as an 'example' to the other children of what will happen if they run away.
So, every night, children walk many miles to a town to sleep in a hotel, a church, or someone's home. The quarters these children sleep in are tighter than you can imagine, but the children do it because at the door is a man with a gun, and that man makes the children feel safe.
Do you think children should have to go through this?
You have the opportunity to help these children.
In order to understand it, you first have to see it for yourself. On April 8th (next Saturday) at the Solid Ground Cafe (615 E. 9800 S) at 8pm, there will be a showing of the film called "Invisible Children". This is the story of the children in Uganda. It isn't a fundraiser; it's a wake-up call.
If you feel compelled to help, help by raising awareness.
On April 29th, there will be the Global Night Commute. As said before, every night, thousands of children walk miles to sleep. The Global Night Commute is a nationwide occurance, asking you to do the same. On April 29th, groups will meet accross the country, including here in Salt Lake, and hike to a place to sleep for the night. I believe here we'll be sleeping at the Galivan Plaza, in the elements.
Help people become aware of what's going on.
If you're interested in either the Global Night Commute, I'm going with some kids from my youth group, and also I'll be speaking in Bond Club on tuesday about this at Highland, so hopefully our group will grow. All I know as of now that it's on April 29th, and where it'll be. If you're intersted, let me know, and I'll get more information.
Showing Information:
WHEN: April 8th
WHERE: Solid Ground Cafe (615 E. 9800 S.)
TIME: 8pm
Transporation is being provided if needed.
Our Time Is Now.