Educational Media Reviews Online

Every now and then we learn of remarkable people who do remarkable things; Victoria Nalongo Namusisi is one of those people. Victoria is the Founder and Director of Bright Kids Uganda, a community based organization that strives to improve the lives of Uganda’s children. Victoria is a community activist, entrepreneur, heroine, mother, protector, provider, social worker, and visionary all in one. Bright Kids Uganda is the epitome of charitable organizations, they have literally saved the lives of countless children. Decades of civil war and poverty in Uganda have left generations of children at risk for a multitude of social ills; like HIV/AIDS, becoming orphaned, a lack of clean drinking water, or being recruited as child soldiers, just to name a few. Under the Umbrella Tree is a film that brings to light a serious social matter that is normally addressed systematically and collaboratively. Victoria Nalongo Namusisi managed to start Bright Kids Uganda single-handedly. This documentary is sure to move you, some of the content is difficult to watch and may even bring some viewers to tears, but in the end you will feel inspired after witnessing humanity at its best. Under the Umbrella Tree is heartfelt yet urgent, with plenty of teaching opportunities. This film can easily support a social studies/social science curriculum and librarians from all academic levels, as well as public, will certainly want to consider adding Under the Umbrella Tree to their collections.