Aurora Central Catholic students draw attention to plight of Ugandan children

For some students, the best way to learn about a foreign issue is to create a direct connection to it.

For Key Club members at Aurora Central Catholic High School, that connection is a yearlong campaign to raise money for and awareness about the plight of children in war-torn northern Uganda.

In the fall, students saw the documentary "Invisible Children," about children abducted and forced into becoming soldiers.

"It inspired all the students to be interested and concerned about their lives," said Janet Skowronski, adviser of the school's newly formed Key Club.

Members made their cause for the year raising awareness about the conflicts in the East African country.

On Friday, the school hosted its own version of "Displace Me," a national event held by schools and towns to shed light on the "invisible children."

Aurora Central students built a displacement camp from cardboard boxes. They also heard a Ugandan priest talk about his experiences and discussed the war and American foreign policy.

And students plan to continue their awareness campaign all year.

"This is really just the beginning," junior Tori Romba said.

Students have raised about $2,300 so far from donations and sales of bracelets and ornaments. They hope to make $3,000 by year's end.

The money will go to the Invisible Children organization's Schools for Schools campaign, which provides for the educational needs of students in Uganda.

The next fundraiser, a Santa's Workshop, will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the school, 1255 N. Edgelawn Drive.

Key Club members will offer free gift-wrapping and baby-sitting services. There will be a visit from Santa, cocoa and cookies. Donations will be accepted.

For details, call (630) 907-0095.

If you go

What: Santa's Workshop fundraiser for the Schools for Schools campaign to help students in Uganda

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Where: Aurora Central Catholic High School, 1255 N. Edgelawn Drive

Cost: Free, donations accepted

Info: (630) 907-0095