Student Advocates for Invisible Children, a new student organization at West Virginia University, aims to raise awareness and support for crises in Northern Uganda.
The SAIC at WVU had its first official meeting as a student organization last week.
Invisible Children, Inc. is a national organization founded in an effort to defend human rights and give aid to struggling individuals.
Invisible Children was brought to WVU last year, and about 100 students shared an interest in bringing it to Morgantown.
"Morgantown is a great place to spread awareness and fund raise," said SAIC's President Chris Waugh, a junior history major.
In Northern Uganda, a civil war between the militia army and the weak local government has caused the concern that motivates SAIC, he said.
According to Invisible Chilren's Web site, the militia army has been capturing children and forcing them to become child soldiers and slaves. Loss of shelter, education and basic necessities for local children is common.
Invisible Children seeks to rebuild schools, educate future leaders and provide jobs in Northern Uganda. It is also dedicated to spreading awareness in an effort to motivate the public to take action.
"They really opened my eyes to what is going on in Uganda," said Alyssa Neel, junior physical education major. "(SAIC) is a really great cause."
The efforts of Invisible Children have raised $786,958.38 nationally in their "Schools for Schools". There are currently 1,609 schools participating, now including WVU.
To donate or for more information on the national organization, visit www.invisiblechildren.com. The organization also has a Facebook group.
The meetings at WVU are open to all and are held in the Monongahela room in the Mountainlair, Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
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