KONY 101 // WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PEOPLE LEAVE THE LRA?
We often talk about our defection programs because so many returnees cite our “Come Home” fliers or messages as the reason they chose to leave the bush. But what happens after these people return home? Unfortunately, there is a serious disparity in resources dedicated to the rehabilitation and reintegration of former LRA members. Depending on age, […]
Home for the first time in 17 years: Walter’s story
Even over the roar of the car’s engine, Bala Walter could hear women ululating and people cheering. The vehicle came to a stop and he climbed out, accompanied by team members from Invisible Children and World Vision who had played a role in his rehabilitation process. But today was not about celebrating the efforts it took […]
ϟ FLASH ALERT: 5 things you didn’t know about Community Defection Committees
On February 19th, 2014 a vehicle transporting Invisible Children defection equipment was ambushed by armed LRA forces about 28 kilometers from Obo, Central African Republic (CAR). Security forces shot one of the assailants, and the civilians all fled into the bush. The vehicle was found completely burned a few hours later – valuable solar panels, […]
Rehabilitation // The first steps
A number of individuals who recently escaped from the Lord’s Resistance Army are attending counseling sessions at the Children of War Rehabilitation Center, funded by Invisible Children, in Gulu, Uganda. Oroma Christine, the main counselor at the center, has opted for a break in their therapy, deciding that each of the returnees should head back to […]
On the Job at ICU: Reuniting Families
You may remember meeting Jacob Okello, a mentor from Invisible Children Uganda’s field office in Pader district, through our blog a few months back. At the end of last year, Jacob transitioned into his new role as Invisible Children’s Regional Family Tracing Assistant. Now based out of Gulu, Jacob works directly with formerly abducted persons who recently […]
Uganda: Photo Friday
This week, we are continuing to welcome Opondo home. Invisible Children was lucky enough to be at the World Vision rehabilitation center in Gulu when he recently reunited with his family for the first time in 15 years.
Welcome home, Opondo
When he was 10 years old, Opondo was abducted by Joseph Kony’s rebel army. After being held captive as a child soldier for 15 years, he finally escaped. He was rehabilitated and is now home with his family. CELEBRATE EVERYTHING. We are dismantling the Lord’s Resistance Army from within by encouraging soldiers like Opondo to […]
Reintegration // Supporting Youth Recovery
Seeing a cow, a sports car and a soccer player interacting harmoniously is not a typical site. Unless one is looking at the walls of the World Vision Uganda Children of War Rehabilitation center in Gulu, Uganda. Art therapy has proven to be an incredibly effective method of counseling for youth who have and are […]