Invisible Children brings former abducted child to campus

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One story has remained deeply embedded in the back of Grand Rapids freshman Caitlin Cheevers’ mind since joining Invisible Children — the story of Boni.

As a child, Boni was abducted from his family in Uganda by a militant terrorist group called the Lord’s Resistance Army.

He was turned into a child soldier and was forced to kill without crying — and if he did cry, he would be killed.

Boni will speak to students at 7 p.m. Monday in Pearce Hall 128 during a meeting for the Invisible Children Club. The event is free and open to the public.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Cheevers, the secretary of the Invisible Children Club. “Boni really puts a face to the issue.”

Boni will be joined by his mentor and four members of The Invisible Children Organization based in California.

They will discuss his journey and a documentary show based on his experiences called “The Rough Cut.”

Erin Sanchez, president of the Invisible Children Club at CMU, is thrilled with the opportunity to educate people on the issue.

“We want to bring awareness to Uganda and what’s happening there on a more personal and local level,” the Lansing junior said. “I think it’s important because it’s something that’s been happening for 25 years and, for some reason, no one has done anything.”

The event is part of “The Legacy Tour,” a 10-week tour featuring young Ugandans who will travel with the Invisible Children sharing their stories.

Many of the Ugandans have never been on a plane or seen the ocean, according to the Invisible Children Web site.

Cheevers said she plans to get a tattoo of a heart monitor line because of inspiration from Boni’s story.

Oxford sophomore Stephanie Schmidt said she hopes to attend to learn more about the group.

“It’s important people are aware of what’s going on in other parts of the world,” Schmidt said. “I really think college students can help if they’re informed.”