By A.J. KING

ajk012@latech.edu

 

Around 60 students saw “Invisible Children” when United Campus Ministries sponsored the documentary showing in the Student Center, Main Floor, Feb. 8.

The documentary tells the story of the children of Uganda, of the war in which the Lord’s Resistance Army kidnaps children and forces them to fight through violent indoctrination and mind washing.

Johnny Parker, a member of one of the 13 road crew teams from Invisible Children Inc., presented the documentary to Tech students. Invisible Children, named for the documentary, is the organization formed to help the children of Uganda.

“This documents three young men from California who came across children in Uganda being victimized in war and forced into a lifestyle of being young soldiers. Feel free to be moved,” Parker said.

Parker himself was touched when he visited Uganda. He was not planning on becoming involved with Invisible Children.

“I stayed one month longer at the Invisible Children volunteer house, and I learned more about the tour,” Parker said.

“I thought it was an incredible way to participate.”

Parker said he was inspired to get involved by getting to know one of the film makers, Laren Poole, and Tony, one of the children in the movie. 

“We did everyday things together,” Parker said. “We played cards together; we just talked.”

Daniel Ruiz, a sophomore professional aviation major, said he hopes people will have a desire to help after viewing the documentary.

“If something like this was going on anywhere else in the world, we’d pay attention,” Ruiz said. “It’s recognizing this is going on.”

Ruiz also said he hoped people will not just go home thinking about what they had seen on the documentary, but to do something about it.

“I hope it will inspire people to take action, that people will have a desire to help,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz also said he thought people could learn a lot from the people of Uganda.

“They have nothing and are so happy,” Ruiz said. “We have everything and are not.”

Mary Margaret Gilbert, a junior English and French major, said she was excited when she found out “Invisible Children” was to be shown on Tech’s campus.

“It’s really important to be reminded of the world outside us,” Gilbert said.

“It’s so easy to get wrapped up in this Ruston bubble.”

Gilbert also said she is going do her part in spreading the word about Invisible Children.

Gilbert said, “I’ll probably buy the DVD and give it to my sister to get her high school involved. Maybe it will catch on.”

Gilbert also said she was touched by the documentary.

“It’s geared toward the heart and soul, not just the politics. You’re reminded people are involved.”