Reflections...

from a twentysomething Aussie kid

16 June 2009

Help Chad so he can help the kids in Uganda!

"Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow" Isaiah 1:17
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Hey Guys!

As of August 2009 I will be living in the USA for about 6 months working for non-profit organisation 'Invisible Children' and I need your support!

Invisible Children (IC) is a non-profit organisation committed to giving a voice to the voiceless children of Africa and waking up the rest of the world to the atrocities occurring in Gulu, Northern Uganda, which has had scarce media coverage and international attention ….. until now

Back in 2003, three young university graduates traveled to Africa in search of a story. What they found was a tragedy that both disgusted and inspired them. In Northern Uganda there has been a brutal and pointless war happening for over 23 years. A rebel group called the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) have been abducting children as young as 4 years old forcing them to fight in a bloodthirsty and pointless war. These children are brainwashed and forcibly turned into child soldiers trained to abduct and kill others ... even their own family members. To date there have been over 30,000 children abducted from their homes and forced to fight in the LRA.

The organisation has done HEAPS to help the people of Northern Uganda including: 
- The bracelet and MEND campaign – which gives former sex-slaves, people living with HIV/AIDS, child mothers and other vulnerable groups employment.
- Teacher exchange and student grant programs.
- Events including THE RESCUE – an International night where over 100,000 people from all over the world camped out overnight to gain media and government attention.
- Employed government congressmen and policy writers to develop Bills.
- Initiated the ‘How it Ends’ Lobby Days held June 22nd & 23rd, 2009 at The White House. This includes: Keynote speakers, training, and delivery of the “LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act” to congress.

But I know you’re asking … ‘So what the heck are you going to do Chad?’ … and I will tell you!


I will be touring all around the USA as a 'Roadie' promoting the “Schools for Schools" program. At least five of the top 10 schools in the entire of Uganda came from the North. However, due to this war, there have been enormous gaps in children’s schooling. Currently not even one school in Northern Uganda is represented in the top 100! My role will be encouraging High Schools in the USA to raise funds in rebuilding 10 of the most promising schools in the region of Northern Uganda so it's children can again receive an education that will give them better preparation for both the future and the future of the country!

This position I am taking up is as an UNPAID employee, so everything I have to do is self-financed. I'm estimating for:
- Being out on the road for five and a half months.
- Flights to and from the USA
- Visa
- Medical Insurance
- Eating!
Is going to cost me at least $6,000AUS

So if you could give financially I would REALLY REALLY REALLY appreciate it! As I said I have to pay for everything myself so even if you could spare a few dollars so I can buy a cup of coffee, can of deodorant or even a bar of soap! It’d be really helpful! ... I'm sure my co-roadies would be appreciative too!

If you’re the praying type I’d REALLY REALLY REALLY appreciate some prayer also as there's a lot i need to get sorted even before I get over there, such as my visa, which is proving to be a bit of a headache!

I have also added a video at the bottom that explains a bit more about the life of a Roadie.

I’ve probably written enough … if you have more questions .. feel free to email me!

Love you guys!
-Chad
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I have a PayPal Account so you can make a payment to me direct. Just follow the link below :)
Donate via PayPal

Please send all cheques/money orders to:

Invisible Children, Inc.
Direct Support (Chad Staunton)
2705 Via Orange Way Suite B
Spring Valley, CA 91978

If you can’t do either and would still like to make a donation, get in contact with me and I can give you my bank account details :)



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