Child Soldiers

We have been talking throughout this semester about the heartbreaking things that have been happening in Africa. A few times we have addressed the issue of what can we do? How can we make things in Africa better? And should we help? I think at this point everyone has a pretty good idea what a child soldier is, and some facts about child soldiers. So instead of researching about child soldiers I thought it would be better to take a look at ways people can help, how people can make a difference, and what is being done to put hope into Africa.

Invisible Children
Website: www.invisiblechildren.com
Who are they? "We are storytellers. We are visionaries, humanitarians, artists, and entrepreneurs. We are individuals part of a generation eager for change and willing to pursue it. As a non-profit we work to transform apathy into activism. By documenting the lives of those living in regions of conflict and injustice, we hope to education and inspire individuals in the Western world to use their unique voice for change."

Virtue Foundation
Website: www.virtuefoundation.org
Who are they? "Virtue Foundation is a public charitable and nongovernmental organization with special consultive status to the United Nations. The Foundation's mission is to increase awarenes of prevalent global issues, to inspire people to action, and to render humanitarian assistance through healthcare, education, an empowerment initiatives."
You can find out more about their attempts to stop the growth of child soldiers by clicking on Initiatives and then on Other Projects.

Amnesty International
Website: www.amnesty.org
Who are they? "Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights for all."
You can find information on child soldiers by typing child soldiers in the search bar on the website.

Although we feel as though we are so far away, and feel as though there is nothing we can do, there are many organizations that can use our help. Recently my church collected pencils, erasers, pencil holders, and other simple school supplies to send to a part of Africa. To the children who used them these items were like diamonds to them, whereas to us, we may take them for granted. So although these websites may ask for money to help, there are many other things you can do that are very inexpensive that will make a huge difference in Africa.