Eighty cities, thousands of people and one common goal kicked off The Rescue on Saturday, a worldwide event committed to the war in Uganda organized by the humanitarian group Invisible Children Inc.
The Student Coalition Club organized Pangaea Day in celebration of the worldwide event, to bring awareness and activism to the 23-year war to Uganda. Students gathered around town and on campus to march, speak, and celebrate the efforts of Invisible Children, which help child soldiers in the war.
“I’m from Orange County, and growing up I never really thought of anything outside my life,” said Kara Dritschel, secretary of the Student Coalition Club. “I never thought to do anything like this, but I can’t imagine anything better.”
Hundreds of students gathered downtown to participate in the afternoon rally, which stretched from Chase Palm Park to City College’s West Campus. Around 1,200 people attended the event. A large stage, dozens of colorful booths, and various educational activities were set up to continue the day’s celebration which lasted until 1 a.m.
“For me, it’s about giving a voice to the voiceless,” said Student Coalition Club advisor Tina Kistler. “It’s about showing people that the youth care, that they’re out to make a difference.”
Student leaders organized an “abduction” activity where participants could be “abducted” and then later “released” to simulate the abduction of children in Uganda by rebel armies for induction as soldiers. Dollar donations could be made afterwards to support the children.
Volunteers also worked booths that sold handmade African jewelry, t-shirts, and other donated items, with all the proceeds going towards relief efforts.
“I think it’s awesome that individually so many people have come together here today because everyone’s so passionate about this,” said student volunteer Deanna Arner. “It’s impactful.”
The war in Uganda has been referred to as the most neglected humanitarian emergency in the world today, also involving the Democratic Republic of Congo, Southern Sudan, and the Central African Republic.
Millions of people have been displaced, with 600 people killed and 160 children abducted in December of 2008 alone. Activist groups like Invisible Children are committed to providing aid to the adults and children of the war through mentoring, improved education, re-settlement from refugee camps and financial stability.
The Rescue was a worldwide effort to raise awareness and encourage participation in rescuing child soldiers and preventing the capture of others. Invisible Children was created after a group of filmmakers documented the war in Uganda and released the documentary Invisible Children: Rough Cut.
