Helping Child Soldiers: “Invisible Children” Bake Sale

Bake SaleIn Uganda, in an area the size of California, there is an army of children living isolated and in fear. The situation appears bleak for children soldiers in Uganda. It is a cult culture controlled by fear tactics and manipulation. It is uncommon for these soldiers to risk leaving Kony’s ranks.

These youth are not alone in these armies; often they have a sibling who suffers the consequences of their behavior. There are numerous reasons as to why the dark situation still exists.

Invisible Children has set up radio stations encouraging child-soldiers that communities are welcoming. They broadcast the voice of reason exposing the cult-cultures and their manipulative methods.

However once these children are away, their safety is not guaranteed. They suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, requiring assistance re-entering society as fully present individuals.

That’s why awareness is not limited to within Uganda and needs global attention.

“Invisible Children” programs alongside “Schools for Schools” are establishing schools and programs to assist this long and detrimental process.

“Schools for Schools” is split into two branches, one about engineering and the other about education offered in the schools.

The engineering aspect is concerned with what may be missing in already present schools and bettering them to encourage attendance. There is also action regarding education and curriculum formats found in these schools. These are strengthened if areas for improvement are present that would enrich the student’s education.

The BC Invisible Children Club is making an effort to help tragedy-struck child soldiers who slowly are being re-introduced to society.

The Invisible Children club at BC has been holding bake sales, from Jan. 13-16, to raise funds for “Schools for Schools.”

Emily Ferreira, member of the club, emphasizes the importance of education for these children and how a college can teach an important lesson of what education can do for people’s lives.

They hoped to raise about $200 in the three days they held their bake sale fundraiser. In only two days, the “Invisible Children”  club  exceeded their initial expectations.

The club was founded during the fall quarter of 2011, and has held numerous bake sales and events for this cause.

They hope to continue these fundraisers and making change.

Paxton Richardson, President of the club says, “ More children have been coming out of the war because there is an increased awareness.”

The club understands the importance of this, and the significance that schools would have to the shattered lives of previous child soldiers.

There is only one way to prevent the tragedy of children soldiers and that is to remove child vulnerability.

The first step to prevention is undoing the damage of the lives they lead by creating normalcy, ambition and hope.

Schools founded with this purpose in mind provide opportunies for those who suffered through child warfare in Uganda and other countries a fresh start and a safer future.