Invisible Children has never been about the numbers in Uganda. We are about the people, the individuals, and how we can have the greatest impact on their lives and their personal stories so that they, in turn, can have the greatest effect on their communities and their country. IC has very intentionally invested in the few with the greatest potential, so we can unquestionably say that it’s not about numbers in Uganda.

BUT, if it was…this is what it would look like:

-690 secondary school students receiving scholarships from across Gulu, Amuru, Kitgum, and Pader; each with a Ugandan mentor, being given the opportunity and guidance needed to become the next leaders

-60 university students receiving scholarships in Uganda (as of fall ‘08), 40 girls and 20 guys from impoverished communities, who are also receiving the academic advising necessary to succeed and transform their lives and those around them

-1 university student in the US. She will be attending Boise State in the Fall ‘08 to pilot international scholarships.

-179 bracelet makers, trained in savings and investment, supporting their families and reinvesting their money into programs that stimulate economic growth in their communities

-10 child mothers making handbags, soon to be trained in savings and investment, supporting their families and rising out of extreme poverty

-90 staff members, each giving back to their community while simultaneously earning a great income to support their entire families.

That’s a total of 1,030 people whose lives will never be the same. Read more »

Share This

Gulu, Uganda: the expected day of Kony’s signing.

The weather completely reflects the feelings of this small town of seven paved roads. Like ocean against sky, the mood of Gulu seems to mirror the atmosphere that hovers above it. Dark clouds, ominous and foretelling hardly allow the pink streaks of sunrise to push through. Against the howling storm of 22 years of terror, Acholi people manage to preserve the slightest bit of hope for this day. With timid anticipation, they rise for their 8,030th day of war - the day that could mark the end.

An older woman in her 60s walks toward town, her shoulders drawn down by a heavy bag carried around her neck. Asked about the day, she strains to lift her tired head. Through deep wrinkles, her eyes stand out in brilliant, youthful excitement. “This day is historic for Acholi Land,” she replies with glitter swimming in her eyes. “It is time. Time to go back to our land, resume our life and farm again” she says as her eyes wade out into memory past today’s tide of misery. Read more »

Share This

Here’s the IC press release; here’s how it went down:

Today, a press conference was held to announce the selected student that would receive a scholarship to attend Boise State. Temperatures rose as students, parents and press gathered in IC’s meeting room. The fans weren’t operational due to a broken switch (it’s in logistics pipe line). Geoffrey Howard built the suspense with a detailed explanation of the scholarship, the Kelly family and IC’s participation. Temperatures continued to rise, students began to fan themselves. Geoffrey handed over the announcing of the congratulatory to Houston. “Thank you all again for coming” said Houston. “It is my pleasure to announce Acii Nancy…BAM, she passes out cold. Everyone stares in an awkward state of disbelief.

Read more »

Share This

Before leaving for Uganda in February, several of my co-workers in Minnesota had joked about the snow following me to Gulu. If they had to deal with it, how come I should be lucky enough to get away? I laughed and brushed it off as a silly comment – it would never snow in the middle of Uganda.

Yet after being here for just over a month now, I’ve been reminded that the perceptions we entertain about how a new experience will transpire or what a foreign place will be like aren’t always correct. Could it ever snow on Kampala Road? Will going to northern Uganda be scary? Will I succeed in the tasks I’m responsible for? Will there be enough toilet paper?

Read more »

Share This

A couple of weeks ago, we gave you a look at the official opening of the Gulu High girl’s dormitory in northern Uganda. The building was a direct result of everyones hard work on the Schools for Schools campaign. To say thank you, our staff in Uganda created a video documenting the girls, as they moved their belongings into the beautiful building that our S4S students helped build for them

Share This