Umu. An ex child soldier studying law needs help.

In February 2008, whilst making a documentary for Childfund in in Africa I met Umu, she was fifteen and one of many ex child soldiers I was to meet as I documented the stories of young girls taken captive by rebels during the civil war in Sierra Leone.

Umu's story was so captivating that she became the face of the campaign.

When the rebels ransacked Umu's village, she was 5 years old, her father was murdered in front of her and she was taken captive by the rebels. The worst things that can happen to a little girl, happened to Umu. When she could, aged ten Umu escaped from the rebels but was caught, beaten, cut, tied to a tree and left to die.

Umu, alone and unable to move then saw a large venomous snake slide out of the dense jungle and come straight for her. As the snake was about to strike a dog burst from the bush and took the snake in its mouth, killing it and saving Umu's life.

Then Umu says " By the grace of God, I was able to free myself and with the dog I left that place."

The dog had a piece of rope tied around its neck, and led Umu out of the jungle to the safety of a village. That night, the rebels attacked, torching huts and murdering all in their path... amidst the carnage Umu heard the cries of a baby coming from a burning hut.

Umu “I ran into the house and took that little child from the fire."

Umu, the baby and the dog escaped and after a journey of 100 miles made it back to her village, where she discovered that her parents and most of her siblings were dead. Her Mother's sister had survived and took her and the child in.

I kept in touch with Umu and after some years she shared her dream with me, which was to become a lawyer to fight for women's rights.

I promised Umu that I would help her dream come true. That is how The Umu Foundation began.

Umu has just graduated from Makeni University with a law degree. To begin her career as a lawyer she now needs to serve an 18 month certification process working in a local court.

I need help to raise additional funds for Umu. The certification is not cheap and her annual rent is due.

Please help Umu’s dream come true.

Thank you.

Below is a link to a story that includes Umu and embedded interview that tells her story.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-big-read-former-child-soldier-studying-law-thanks-to-kiwis-help/WOVFKKZH6JS4FPJCJPROGNYYMQ/?c_id=1&objectid=11897303

Below is a link to a story that includes Umu and embedded interview that tells her story.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11897303

Also A TVNZ Sunday story I co-produced and filmed in sierra leone on Karma Cola which also features Umu

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/sunday/clips/extras/good-karma