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Uganda Child Soldier Awareness Week

Former child soldier Grace Akallo shared her story with Madison community

By Emily Reid ('09)

Grace Akallo shares her experiences

Grace Akallo shares her experiences

On Feb. 19, 2008, former child soldier Grace Akallo shared her powerful story of strength and survival with the Madison community. Akallo grew up in Uganda where she was kidnapped at the age of 15 and forced to fight for Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army. After seven terrifying months, Akallo escaped with “her spirit and humanity in tact,” said JMU English professor Dr. Joanne Gabbin in her opening remarks to the audience gathered in Wilson Hall.

"Invisible" victims need attention from world community

Akallo’s message was simple; she wanted to give a voice to those who did not have the opportunity to have one. “Their voices have never been heard … they’re invisible,” said Akallo.

The audience also heard from Michael Poffenberger, executive director of Resolve Uganda, and Betty Bigombe, a chief peace negotiator in Uganda. In giving an overview of the war in Uganda, Poffenberger remarked that girl child soldiers are being “held hostage by a war.” Bigombe gave an extensive description of what it is like to live in Uganda. According to Bigombe, few people are aware of the victims of Uganda’s war, and she urged the audience to help bring attention to the crisis saying that, “no one has any right to take a child.”

JMU alumna Sarita Hartz ('02)

JMU alumna Sarita Hartz ('02)

Hartz urges audience to "be the change"

Sarita Hartz (’02), director of Zion Project, spoke at the conclusion of the event, which was part of the University Program Board’s Uganda Child Soldier Awareness Week. After traveling to Uganda in 2006, Hartz founded Zion Project, a Christian nonprofit organization that helps troubled girls in Uganda. She stressed the need for action, noting that seemingly small acts could make "the biggest difference in someone’s life."

Hartz said, “We hope that we’ve made Madison students aware of the issue of child soldiers and have encouraged them to have a part in changing the future for these children.”

About the author

Emily Reid ('09), an English major, interns for JMU's "Be the Change" communications campaign.