Empower African Children Blog

Bombings in Uganda

Since the terrorist attacks that took place in Kampala on Sunday, I’ve felt the need to say something to all of our friends and supporters but struggled with what to say. 

 

I guess the first thing to say is that everyone with Empower African Children is ok.

 

Secondly, one of the blasts occurred a short distance from our office and training center, so we had staff and volunteers in the area at the time of the bombings.  Rather than retell the story ourselves, here is the blog post from our summer volunteers in Uganda, Nick Hall and Michael Feldman, from Vanderbilt University who give an excellent first-hand account of the events.  They also give a perspective that we share at Empower African Children about how this event underscores the need for better education to prevent future acts of terrorism and violence like these attacks.

 

If you’ve missed the story in the news, here is a CNN report to get you up to speed.  Thank you to all of those who have reached out to make sure that the staff and children of Empower African Children were not injured in the attacks.

Meet Sharon

Editor’s Note: Cecilia Nipp is the Dean of Diversity and Global Education at Ursuline Academy in Dallas, TX. Cecilia joined us in Uganda in March to explore future partnership possibilities with Empower African Children. The article below is taken from her trip blog, which can be found at ceciliainuganda.blogspot.com.   

By Cecilia Nipp

As you may recall, Empower African Children (EAC) is dedicated to orphans and vulnerable children. But what defines a vulnerable child? What does it mean to be vulnerable? Well, on Wednesday afternoon I learned first-hand what it means to be "vulnerable."

Sharon is a beautiful girl of about 15 who is one of the children sponsored by EAC. I spent some time talking to Alexis about whether or not I should write about Sharon's life because it is so painful and I don't want to exploit her or to expose her in any way. However, upon reflection, I know that it is a story worth telling - and, sadly, it is not an extraordinary story in this group of children - it's merely a representative story. I know also that if you were to meet this gorgeous young woman, you would never imagine her situation or the burden placed on her shoulders - I know because I could not have imagined it.

So, Sharon's parents were originally from Rwanda (pronounced "Ronda" as I have just learned). They were Tutsis who fled the Rwandan genocide in the 90's when most of their family members were brutally killed. Sharon's mother, who is sickly, has had five children - an eldest son who is very ill with diabetes and perhaps other illnesses, a second child who died, Sharon, a young son of about 10 and a baby girl. Sharon's father died recently of AIDS. Sharon's cousin, a 22 year old woman, also recently died of AIDS leaving a young baby girl who is now also under the care of Sharon's mother. Sharon's mother and the children live in a tiny one-room space behind a bar where many men come during the night to purchase and consume alcohol. There is no water, electricity, bathroom, etc. To say that it is not a safe environment for a young girl is the understatement of a lifetime.

We went with Sharon to visit her family on Wednesday afternoon (recall that she lives at school thanks to EAC) so that I could better understand the situations of the children of EAC. It was a situation so filled with sadness and despair that it was hard to keep from crying. Sharon's mother did cry recalling how she had been able to afford a good school for her children when her husband was alive. She was also upset because her young son (who is so smart!) was sent home from school because he did not have black uniform shoes.

Of course, we left money for the shoes and I am so grateful that Alexis thought to take some much-needed groceries to Sharon's mother as a thank you for having us over. But of course, these are tiny gestures given the issues that overwhelm this family.

As I looked down at precious Sharon sitting on the floor in that tiny, dark room smiling at her mother and playing with her sister, I realized that all the hopes and dreams of her family are wrapped up in her. Sharon is wise beyond her years (as are most of these children) and she is thriving at her school thanks to the opportunity given to her by EAC. She is getting an excellent education and she is the one who must (and will) lift up her family. She is, quite literally, a shining light in the darkness. I pray that her family stays healthy so that they receive the benefit of Sharon's hard work. I understand now about being "vulnerable" and that these children would be in inescapable, impossible situations of poverty and hardship if it were not for EAC. Sadly, I also realize that there are thousands of other precious children out there who don't have EAC or anyone looking out for them - and I think that thought will stay with me long after I have left Uganda...

Uganda Goes to the Winter Olympics

By Libby Kingman, Tour Volunteer

You don't normally think of Uganda when you think of the Winter Olympics, but that didn't keep us from bringing our show to the world stage! After being on the road for several day s travelling from Southern California, we eventually made it to Vancouver. When we arrived at the border, a border officer came on the bus with a stern look. Everyone became very, very quiet. Then he quickly eased the tension with wishes to have a good time! Canadian humor, we guess.

On Sunday afternoon, we took the Sky Tran into downtown Vancouver, where all the Olympic action was happening. Most of the kids had never been on a train before, and some were visibly nervous prior to boarding. Jimmy was worried about the high speed of the train, but didn't stay nervous for too long. He quickly made friends with the train officer, who explained to Jimmy all about Vancouver and the Olympics. 

Downtown Vancouver was packed with tons of Olympic-goers—and probably Olympians, too—but we were surprised how many people wanted pictures and autographs from Spirit of Uganda.  As we walked through downtown, we saw a poster on a telephone pole advertising Spirit of Uganda's performance—including a great picture of Brian Odong. Who would have thought that, in a city of Olympic athletes, a bunch of kids from Africa would be getting so much attention?

Monday night brought a great performance at the Orpheum Theater.  Then on Tuesday, all of us bundled up for a trip to the Richmond O-Zone, which was near the Olympic long-track speed skating oval. As always, it was a team effort loading in and out. But the area was bursting with people, and Spirit of Uganda drew a crowd even while the kids were warming up. Not that they ever warmed up completely, seeing as how they were dancing barefoot in sub-freezing temperatures. But despite the cold, the kids were engaging and entertaining as always. More than 2,000 people joined us for this outdoor show, so everything was broadcast on a giant Videotron. Spirit of Uganda on the big screen!

Performing at the Olympics created a special memory for all of us and we were thrilled to have been a part of such an international event. With that under our belt, we packed up and headed back across the border.

The Tooth Rat

We get a lot of interesting questions on tour, but this week we received one of our favorites: An elementary-school student from Parish Episcopal School in Dallas asked, “Does the tooth-fairy come to Uganda?” The answer from the children—along with a chuckle—was “YES!” But the answer is not quite as simple as that. In Uganda, the "tooth fairy" isn't exactly a beautiful glowing fairy. Instead, it is believed by some children that a rat comes into your home, takes your tooth, and leaves money behind in exchange.

The question was good timing. Little Donna, our youngest tour member, lost a tooth on the bus ride to Vancouver. So now we're all wondering: Will it be a rat or fairy that sneaks under her pillow to take the tooth away?

Hot Dogs at the Farmers Market

By Winnie Najjuma, Spirit of Uganda Chaperone

 

On Saturday, January 23, a few of the children took advantage of a beautiful sunny day (after nearly a week of rain and cold) to visit the Farmers Market in Davis, California. We walked to the market, which was only a few blocks from our hotel. We saw lots of food and fruit on sale, plus jewelry, plants, and even a violinist and guitarist playing soothing music. This atmosphere of market reminded them of our local markets back in Uganda.

 

The kids were very curious and checked out the items on sale. We got to a hot dog stand and Aunt Natalie asked if any of us wanted to have a hot dog. The children seemed unsure, until Florence (pictured on the right), one of the younger girls, pulled me aside and pointed at the hot dogs that were being given out. “Are those hot dogs?” she asked. She looked confused. I said, yes, those were hot dogs. She gave me a concerned look.

 

“You mean they eat the meat of dogs?” she asked, wide-eyed.

 

I laughed, assuring her that, no, “hot dogs” were not made from actual dogs. She and several of the other girls relaxed immediately, and placed their hot-dog orders — they preferred them without the bun.

 

Later as the girls enjoyed their treats, I heard some of them laugh among themselves. Apparently they all thought a hot dog was dog meat. The rest of the market was a great experience. We bought baskets, enjoyed ice cream and laughed with each other as we watched people walking countless species of dogs throughout the Farmers Market.

 

Visit the Spirit of Uganda page on Facebook for more photos from the Spirit of Uganda’s first few weeks on tour in Northen California.

Francis Lubuulwa: U.S. Scholarship Student

Of course we know how great our students are, but we like it when other people notice, too – and recently Francis Lubuulwa, a U.S. Scholarship student, has been getting attention.  First, he was selected as the keynote speaker at Macy’s Passport Teen Night in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Francis had the fantastic opportunity to share his story with more than 4000 teenagers who attended this fashion show fundraiser, which is aimed at educating teens about AIDS. 

 

Next, upon learning about this accomplishment, one of his professors at Richland College nominated Francis for the college's Wall of Honor, an award given to those who have overcome great obstacles in their life. Richland's president presented Francis with the award at a ceremony, and now his photo and story prominently hang on the walls of his campus. The story is featured on the Richland College website, and begins: “Francis Lubuulwa is well acquainted with loss. His childhood in AIDS-ravaged Uganda taught harsh lessons. But through the tragedies he’s endured, Francis has learned hope.”  And the story ends on this note: “Francis plans to return to Uganda to establish his own human resources consulting company after finishing his studies at Richland. Armed with a 4.0 GPA, Francis is sure to be successful in his mission to spread hope in his homeland.”

 

Click here to read the inspiring full story.

New Spirit of Uganda Merchandise Available

Here is the first peek at two new t-shirts designs and the CD for the 2010 Spirit of Uganda Tour, which begins in just a few short weeks. Be the first get yours by visiting our online shop or clicking on one of the images below.

 

 

(CD available after January 1st)

 

Against the Odds: A Video by Rachel Hersh

Rachel Hersh (age 13) is a student at Episcopal School of Dallas, where she was introduced to the Spirit of Uganda during the 2008 performance at Dallas Children's Theater. Touched by the children's stories and wowed by their spirited moves, Rachel decided to help Empower African Children by making a video for her bat mitzvah project.

So she enlisted the help of fellow Episcopal School of Dallas student William Malouf as cameraman and co-director and the two set off (along with their families) for Uganda. In five days, Rachel and William filmed, interviewed, and learned about the lives of these children. We love the short subject film that resulted. Created by children for children, it inspires viewers — our team included — to believe that the students supported by Empower African Children will succeed, against the odds.

By bringing Empower African Children's story to more people, Rachel hopes to help raise funds for Empower African Children's future school. To support her effort, you can make a donation in her honor by clicking below. 

DONATE

Against The Odds from Empower African Children on Vimeo.

 

Free Concert in Dallas Next Week

Come out for a great evening of free music that will benefit Empower African Children. It all happens at 2705 Guillot St. Dallas, TX 75204 Map. See you there!

[click to enlarge image]  

Meet Francis

 

Editors Note: People often ask “what happens to the children Empower African Children supports when they finish high school?” The answer? We hope we’ll have impacted their lives enough that they qualify for higher education, trade schools, or are prepared to get a job. In most case's we continue to support the children through post-secondary scholarships. However, every child is different and so are their stories. We’d like to introduce you to one of them. His name is Francis. This is his story.

 

Francis was one of the dancers and musicians from the 2008 Spirit of Uganda Tour. He’s a bright and responsible young man, in addition to being musically gifted. Francis graduated from secondary school last year with grades that earned him a spot at Makerere University, one of Africa’s largest and oldest universities. This gave him an opportunity to pursue his long-time dream of performing and making music.

 

“When I was 9, I was introduced to the world of music and was inspired by the beautiful melodies and plays that were done by the school choir,” he tells us. “I have grown with a passion of wanting to compose and make music.  Studying it has been a long time dream for me.“

 

Earlier this year, during a casual conversation with Francis while bumping along in the back of a van, he opened up and began to share with me about his experience in the music program. I was blown away.  He’d just returned from a week of traveling through Uganda with a group of students. Their task was to educate people in villages while improving their performing abilities. Each morning, the group would be given a new assignment to perform live that same evening. It could be anything—a musical piece, a drama, even a speech. Within hours, they would be setting up a stage in a trading center and performing as soon as a crowd had assembled. These performances were geared around educating the audience on important topics, including HIV/AIDS prevention. Not only was this amazing training for the students, but they were doing important work in their communities.

 

Upon telling me about this experience, Francis tossed in this gem of a statement: “…and I’m coming to Stanford soon.” Wait—what? Stanford?!? He went on to explain that a group of performing arts students from Stanford were travelling to Uganda for an exchange with the Makerere University students. The program included joint performances at the National Theater in Kampala. Afterwards, they would reciprocate. The Ugandan students would travel to Stanford and perform there. Last week, Francis and others completed the Stanford leg of the exchange. You read about it here.

 

We’re thrilled with the opportunities available to someone like Francis. In Uganda, music and the arts are major part of the culture and daily life. As Francis keeps working toward his graduation, he hopes to continue composing, performing, and producing music. It gives him the chance to pursue his passion while also helping to maintain his country’s vibrant cultural heritage, as well as producing new and upcoming artists. That’s been his dream for years, and Francis is on his way to making it reality.