Sometimes Heroes Come in Small Sizes
September 30th, 2008 by hbond{{adam}} I’m going to take a step away from our usual PPC, SEO fodder and share with you, gentle reader, something that is close to my heart.
A few years ago I was given the opportunity to visit Northern Uganda, a part of the world I had never given a second thought to. I was working with Canadian Food for the Hungry International (check out the pic of the smiling man… I took that!) who was in the midst of providing relief and development to this region of Africa. Specifically, they were beginning a center to care for the young girls who were victimized by war and neglect.
For those who aren’t familiar with the story of Northern Uganda, permit me to share it with you. For over 20 years the Acholii tribe of this region has been brutally terrorized by a rebel group called The Lords Resistance Army (LRA). The LRA are led by Joseph Kony, a mystic spiritual leader who fuels the ranks of his brigades by kidnapping children at night while they sleep. His new recruits are forced to obey his commanders and made to kill their brothers, sisters, parents and tribesmen – all in the name of terror and an attempt to “overthrow the government.” In an attempt to bring security to the region, the government has forced the millions of Acholii to live in “refugee” camps within their own land – prisoners of sorts with very little hope. Many children have grown up without ever knowing their ancestral lands and farms.
This evening, I watched an uplifting film called War Dance which chronicles an elementary school from Northern Uganda as they prepare for the National Music Competition where schools from around Uganda compete in traditional dance, choral, instrumental and original composition performances.
I encourage you to watch this film before you read on… and I warn that below… there is a spoiler
What I loved about this film is the way the directors told the story of Northern Uganda while demonstrating the unrelenting hope that is deep within the hearts of all Acholi children. Of particular note was the story of Dominic who shares the horrors he faced in “the bush” under the command of the LRA and how he lost his older brother. His ability to play the xylophone was amazing and will warm even the hardest heart. I was so happy to see him with the individual award for best musician and the entire school win for Best Cultural Dance. The dance they performed in the main auditorium in front of the largest crowd these children have probably ever seen.
To see them hold their trophy with such pride – giving home to their entire tribe reminds me that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
Look for the video at your local rental shop or purchase it online and help support a great cause.
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That is trully an amazing video. I hope I’m going to get my hands on it soon!
You are right about this movie my friend. And im glad that the talents of these kids are unearthed.
Of particular note was the story of Dominic who shares the horrors he faced in “the bush†under the command of the LRA and how he lost his older brother. His ability to play the xylophone was amazing and will warm even the hardest heart. I was so happy to see him with the individual award for best musician and the entire school win for Best Cultural Dance. The dance they performed in the main auditorium in front of the largest crowd these children have probably ever seen.
Wow… What an article and video is really amazing. Really enjoyed it. You simply ROCK!!! Keep on posting good articles.
i admire those kids, after all the have been through they can still dance and sing
and they are pretty talented 
nice video
Those kids are really so amazing and talented. I really love watching them.
Yeah! they are adorable and very talented. It’s fun to watch them.
It’s really nice to watch those kids. Very energetic and talented. At their young age they can do that! that is really amazing!.
What a wonderful story and video, it makes you feel quite humble when you think what they have been through.
Great video! It’s nice to see those kids.
Good video! I really have a good time watching it.
I like the picture you took. That preview was very powerful and emotional. It is so good to see something great come out of a bad situation. Thanks for sharing this. I’ll pass it on and go rent the whole movie.
Wow… What an article and video is really amazing. Really enjoyed it. You simply ROCK!!! Keep on posting good articles.
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