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| Empower Me Kick Off at the home of Natalie Noble |
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Uganda and Empower African Children: The 2010 Spirit of Uganda tour begins in California in January and makes 11 stops across the country and will make its Canadian debut at the Vancouver Cultural Olympiad before ending in Texas in March.
Ranging in age from 9-20, the group’s 22 young performers represent the promise and potential of Uganda’s youth, 2.5 million of whom are orphans of HIV/AIDS, civil war and poverty. Through their performances, educational programs and community exchanges on tour, these goodwill ambassadors share their stories, promote East African culture and raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS crisis in their homeland. They are thriving proof of the transformative power of art, and of what is possible when children are provided with resources to succeed.
The troupe is a project of Empower African Children (EAC), a non-profit organization based in Dallas, TX and Kampala, Uganda. EAC’s mission centers on providing a globally competitive, whole-child education to help ensure that the next generation of East African citizens can fully participate and assume leadership roles in their communities. Although primary school is open to all Ugandan children, secondary school and vocational training must be paid for. At a cost of US $300 to $1,500 per year, this is beyond the reach of most Ugandans. Only 15% of primary school graduates attend secondary school and secondary schools are in short supply.
Transcendent Spirit: The Orphans of Uganda, a large-format book by photo-journalist Douglas Menuez and with an introduction by Elizabeth Taylor, captures the personal stories of many of Spirit of Uganda’s performers. Underwritten by Macy’s and published by Beaufort Books, proceeds from the book’s sale directly support Empower African Children’s programs. |
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Empower Me,
Spirit of Uganda Performance,
Benefits
Empower African Children, Shows Promise in Ugandan Youth
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Join us on February 28 at noon at the House of Blues. By reservation only.
Donna Malouf and Natalie Noble, Co-Chairs
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DALLAS, TX – The House of Blues will feature the sights and sounds of East Africa on Sunday, February 28 at noon when Empower African Children’s Spirit of Uganda takes the stage. This company of young dancers and musicians will headline the Empower Me event, benefitting Empower African Children (EAC), a Dallas-based non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa through holistic care and a globally competitive education.
Hailed by The New York Times for “invigorating the stage with that elusive thing called joy,” Spirit of Uganda’s 22 musicians and dancers range in age from 9 to 20. Co-chairs Donna Malouf and Natalie Noble invite the Dallas community to share in this cultural experience, meet the performers, learn about EAC’s programs and participate in a live and silent auction.
The Dallas appearance is part of Spirit of Uganda’s North American tour California. The troupe makes 11 stops across the country and will perform at the Vancouver Cultural Olympiad as part of the Winter Olympics. Donna and Natalie, with EAC founder and CEO, Alexis Hefley, encourage supporters to be a part of Empower Me and grow with the organization. “We invite everyone – friends, family, classroom students, musicians and advocates – to help sustain the spirit and joy of these performers and share the message of hope for their future. We are sure they will capture the hearts of the community just as they have ours,” Natalie Noble said.
EAC seeks to ensure that the next generation of African citizens will fully participate and assume leadership roles in their communities. Alexis Hefley, whose work with Ugandan children has earned her international acclaim, has implemented educational programs for the students in both Uganda and the U.S. Currently, EAC is building a progressive secondary school in Uganda for 400 students with magnet programs in the performing arts, technology and healthcare.
The Empower Me benefit and performance is open to the public by advance reservation. Individual tickets are $100 for balcony seats. Supporters are welcome to provide sponsorships and underwriting. Benefits include VIP seating, lunch buffet, program recognition and more. Sponsor tables at $5,000 include an Underwriters’ Party on Friday, February 26 with the Spirit of Uganda performers. For detailed ticket and event information, and to learn more about EAC and Spirit of Uganda, visit http://www.EmpowerAfricanChildren.org.
Contact: Donna Malouf, Co-Founder, 214.632.6528; Donna@EmpowerAfricanChildren.org
EAC’s programs and resources include:
The Kisugu House in Kampala -- home base for 38 children that EAC fully supports. All children are provided with school fees, transport and supplies required for their studies at boarding primary or secondary schools through graduation. In addition to the basic necessities, these children are provided with on-going counseling and a network of support to promote healthy child development. Spirit of Uganda rehearses on the modest compound grounds.
EAC’s Secondary School. A ten-acre parcel of land near Kampala has been purchased to build a secondary school campus with magnet areas in the arts, technology, and health sciences. The school will primarily educate up to 300 students, 200 of which will be supported through full scholarships.
A college-level US Scholarship Program makes it possible for some of Africa’s most talented students to deepen their education so that they may return to their home countries and contribute to the social welfare and growth of their communities.
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