CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Children being forced to fight in Uganda struck such a cord with some Independence High School students they've taken action.

Three hundred students pledged to limit their wardrobe to raise money and awareness for the children.

The students saw a documentary about the invisible children of Uganda. Those are thousands of children forced to hide during the day to avoid becoming child soldiers. Many are orphaned and sleeping on the streets. The students were moved to action.

“I was in disbelief because my childhood was very sheltered,” said Kia Schmidt, a junior.

She and classmate David Plath came up with an idea for a fundraiser. For 20 straight days of school, they will wear just two pairs of pants and two specially made shirts. It’s to call attention to the children and get pledges.

“It started with just seven of us. Within a couple weeks, it turned into 300. It;s cool that we started that,” he said.

“I am extraordinarily proud of these kids and their teachers, because so often adults define the activities for kids. This is an example where the kids define the activity,” said Principal Mark Bosco.

Plath said high schoolers are ordinarily consumed with appearances. He said this encourages teens to step outside of their comfort zone and make a commitment to a cause.

Schmidt said the shirts are designed to stand out.

“We want people to ask us what's going on. We want to raise awareness and if it means wearing a bright shirt, wearing the same thing every day, we'll do it,” she said.

Schmidt is raising $70 personally, and hopes the group can come up with $5,000. They're also planning a public viewing of the film at the Mint Hill town hall on April 17th.

Invisible Children