Humanity United

Invisible Children is a social, political, and global movement using the transformative power of story to change lives. By inspiring youth culture to value creativity, idealism, and sacrifice, the movement fuels the most effective, adaptable, and innovative programs in the world. The organization grew out of public activism following the release of the 2004 film “Invisible Children: Rough Cut,” a revealing documentary that exposes the effects of a 22-year-long war on the children of northern Uganda.

Invisible Children originated in 2003, when three young Americans traveled to Africa on a filmmaking adventure. The three Southern Californians – Jason Russell, Bobby Bailey, and Laren Poole – found themselves in northern Uganda and quickly realized the tragic realities of the region’s night commuters and child soldiers. Their film documenting these “invisible children” has now been seen by millions and has received coverage from mainstream U.S. media such as CNN and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Audiences overwhelmingly responded with a desire to assist the children of northern Uganda, and Invisible Children Inc. was created to give compassionate individuals an effective way to react to the situation.

In northern Uganda, Invisible Children strives to improve the quality of life for war-affected children by providing the community with access to quality education, enhanced learning environments, and innovative economic opportunities. It operates programs that focus on long-term development through education and economic opportunities.

The organization believes changing international perceptions of the situation in northern Uganda is as important as changing the lives of those living in the war-torn region. The Invisible Children movement leads awareness and advocacy efforts in North America and Europe that educate and inspire youth to use their unique voice for change. The movement seeks to share in creative ways the story of the invisible children and to empower a new generation of leaders to take an active role in pursuing peace and social justice.

About This Photo

Students from Sacred Heart Secondary School study for their exams in Gulu, Uganda. Invisible Children’s innovative programs on the ground provide scholarships and mentoring to more than 700 students to establish a future beyond the 22-year conflict. (Adam Vail/Invisible Children)

http://www.invisiblechildren.com