SouthFlorida.com | Teen Link South Florida

"Invisible Children: My silence is for them." "Make your voice heard for those who have none." "We Walk. We Sleep. We Pray."

These were only a few of the many posters floating around Cooper City High this week in remembrance of Invisible Children Week (April 21-23).

In 2003, three filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story and found what they later called the Invisible Children: child soldiers and night commuters trying to escape abduction and avoid the brainwashing that could turn them against their own friends and families.

These "invisible children" of Uganda fight for their lives every moment of every day.

It has been almost five years since filmmakers Jason Russell, Bobby Bailey and Laren Poole released their documentary Invisible Children. Millions of people have seen the movie and donated their time, talent and money to making the Invisible Children known, including Cooper City High.

"Invisible Children Week is supposed to be a time [to represent] the voices these children in Uganda lack," said Brock Snider, a Cooper City sophomore in charge of Silent Day on April 23. On that day, CCHS students who wanted to take part were silent for the day in honor of those whose voices can't be heard.

"We're also selling anti-war bracelets and having everyone sign a letter to the [U.S.] Senate," Snider said. All proceeds go to the Invisible Children fund.

This year's vigil took place during school with a continuous showing of the Invisible Children documentary. At the end of the first day, organizers had sold out of their first stock of bracelets and raised at least $50 in donations.

Linda Snider, leadership teacher and SGA adviser in charge of the organization, expects to raise more than $1,000 in just three days. "I want students to start to think of peace on a global level," she said.

If the video doesn't do it, nothing will. From the first image of a boy hardly older than 6 or 7 wearing army attire and weaponry almost as big as he is, you can feel the intensity of this tragedy. In the words of the filmmakers, "It disgusts and inspires."

Check out invisiblechildren.com to find out how your school can make a difference.