GlobalGiving.org: Enhance Lives of Ugandan disadvantaged Children

Bitone Updates: JANUARY 2012

Branco Sekalegga — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:34:01 GMT

Angel_PLE Certificate

APPRECIATION:

Hello lovely people,

On behalf of Bitone Children and Management, I warmly greet you and congratulate you upon reaching the end of January 2012. Its been a year of great optimism here at Bitone Center and it is our hope that you have had a good time and that you are living up to your hearts’ desires and plans. From us here at Bitone Center, we are deeply appreciative of the support you have accorded to us as we started to celebrate the beginning of the year 2012. There is no doubt that your continued support has enabled us to continue run our programs. Thank you so much for supporting our children.

DONATIONS:

A BIG thank you goes to all those persons who have made a donation to Bitone Children’s Center project on GlobalGiving. More so, we most kindheartedly thank those persons who chosen to make a recurring donation to our project in continuous support of our children. We shall be sharing with you the detailed expenditures in our upcoming newsletter. We are inviting others who may wish to do the same. It is through these donations that we are able to supplement our children’s education costs, food sustenance and medical costs. To make a donation, please visit our GlobalGiving page link at: http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/bitone-24-ugandan-disadvantaged-children/

P.L.E RESULTS:

We are happy to announce to you that our four children who sat for Primary Leaving Examinations last year all passed as below:

1. Angel Ndagire: 12 aggregates (First Grade)

2. Grant Kaboggoza: 18 aggregates (Second Grade Upper)

3. Mary Nakimera: 24 aggregates (Second Grade)

4. Jane-Rose Ayebare: 14 aggregates (Second Grade Upper)

Please see attached their Leaving Certificates:

The four children above will be joining senior one to pursue their secondary school level education. The academic term will commence on the 11^th February 2012. We are seeking for persons who may be interested in sponsoring any of the above children. In case you are interested in sponsoring any of the above children, kindly contact our Executive Director at: brancolarrys@hotmail.com for details. Alternatively, you may wish to make a donation through GlobalGiving and indicate which child you prefer your donation to go towards.

Meanwhile, the rest of the children will be returning to school on the 4^th February 2012. Any support towards their education (Tuition and Scholastic Needs) is highly appreciated.

BITONE TROUPE:

Last Saturday (28^th January 2012), Bitone Troupe performed at a wedding ceremony that took place at Seven Trees in Kampala area. As always, this was a great opportunity for the children to share their success stories and talent to a wider audience. The performance featured dances from Eastern Uganda, Northern Uganda and Central Uganda including powerful instrumental music and sensational singing. Please see included photos highlighting some of the moments of the performance.

The troupe’s vision is that by providing artistic training in music and dance, our children’s lives can again become meaningful and productive. We aim at providing the next generation of Ugandans to fully participate and assume leadership roles in their communities. Through their practices and performances, children lay a solid foundation to their future as they both physically, emotionally and intellectually grow–creating greater horizons and assurance for their future.

BITONE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

We are glad to announce to you that Bitone Children's Center got a new Board of Directors who will help continue overseeing and providing guidance on the operations of Bitone Children's Center. We shall be availing you with the details of the new board in our upcoming newsletter.

BITONE CURRENT NEED’S LIST 2012:

Below are Bitone’ s most crucial areas of need for 2012. We invite anyone with any advice, guidance, and resources that can help us achieve these goals.

1. Land Purchase

Details: About 7 acres. This amount of land will be used to build a Bitone home that will accommodate the children (2 acres), a garden (1 acre), a theatre (1 acre), and a school (3 acres).

2. Bitone Performance Tour

Details: Staging performances outside Uganda for raising revenue, sharing stories and enhancing the Bitone visibility. This will not only help children feel strengthened through sharing their stories and talent, but will also attract more opportunities for the much needed resources Bitone needs to survive and become self sustainable.

3. Child Education Sponsorship

Details: Tuition and Scholastic materials of each Bitone child/youth: Primary School, Secondary School and College/University. Our goal is to have each child matched with an individual sponsor. We realize that this might be easier and draws the beneficiary close to his or her sponsor. In case you are interested in sponsoring a child, kindly contact us for details. You may also wish to make a donation through GlobalGiving and indicate which student (child) you would like your donation to benefit. We thank you in advance!

Once again, thank you so much for taking time to read our monthly updates and as always, we would like to hear from you. We wish you a happy beginning of February 2012.

For any inquiries, you may contact us:

Executive Director –Branco Lawrence Sekalegga

E-mail: brancolarrys@hotmail.com

Phone (+256) 772 – 442-274

Bitone International Programs Coordinator – Sarah Heddon

E-mail: slheddon@gmail.com

Phone (810) 923 – 1879

With Love and Friendship!

Bitone Team.

Grant_PLE Certificate

Jane-Rose_PLE Certificate

Mary_PLE Certificate

Aisha Displays her Art Piece

Bitone Perfoming at a wedding ceremony

Bitone with a friend after a show

Brenda Diplaying her Art Piece

Damalie clad in her performance costume

Grant Performing Runyege Dance

Sebastian Cleaning Bitone Compound

Bitone girls pose for a photo after a show

Steven and Grant Playing a Duet

The Trio: Mary, Jane-Rose, Angel

Links:

Bitone Main Website

Bitone Updates: November 2011

Branco Sekalegga — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:25:05 GMT

Angel at her school

Bitone Updates: November 2011

APPRECIATION:

Warm and heartfelt greetings from Bitone Children’s Center and Troupe. We are deeply appreciative of the support you have accorded to us since we last shared the news pertaining our program activities. Thank you for supporting our children to grow productively as they receive education, talent development and rehabilitation.

GLOBALGIVING

We would like to thank all of you who made a donation during GlobalGiving's LAST Bonus Day of the year that took place on October 19^th. We are glad to announce that a gross amount of $1,660 was raised. These funds will directly go towards supplementing children’s Tuition of this current term of study. Part of these funds will also be used to purchase foodstuff for the children.

In the same vain, we truly thank those persons who opted to make a recurring donation to our project and we are inviting others to join and make donation as able. Thank you so much. To make a donation, please visit our GlobalGiving page link at: http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/bitone-24-ugandan-disadvantaged-children/

EDUCATION:

We are proud to announce that;

Deborah Nabatanzi (our oldest child) will be graduating this Friday (11^th November, 2011) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Kampala International University. We truly thank all those persons who have helped Deborah achieve her degree.
Rosco Kayongo is currently pursuing a diploma in Music, Dance and Drama at the Department of Performing Arts and Film, Makerere University.
Aisha Blessed, Mary Nansamba and Damalie Nabanakulya will be doing their final exams (A-Level UNEB) starting on the 15^th November 2011. We wish the, good luck!
Angel, Grant, Mary and Jane-Rose completed their Primary Leaving Exams (P.L.E) last week. We pray that they will receive good results.
Sebastian Lutalo has completed his Senior Four exams (UCE UNEB). We are hopeful that he will receive good results.

BITONE TROUPE:

Our efforts in elevating Bitone children’s skills in music and dance practices have continued to yield excellent results. There is no doubt that values of self-esteem, confidence and trustworthiness continue to grow in each child everyday. Through their practices and performances, children lay a solid foundation to their future as they both physically, emotionally and intellectually grow–creating greater horizons and assurance for their future.

BITONE NEW METRON:

We are glad to announce to you our new matron/Auntie Ms. Justin Kyeyune) following the resignation of Ms. Robinah Nangonzi. Ms. Justin is a mother and an experienced caretaker whose strong love towards the children has already been felt. She is charged with the welfare of the children including preparing meals and attending to other home-related activities.

BITONE CURRENT NEED’S LIST 2011

SHORT-TERM

Land Purchase & construction of Bitone Center

Details: A minimum of 5 acres. This will accommodate the home for the children, a theatre, a garden, rehearsal rooms, a recreation ground, a Library and a cultural village.

Bitone Performance Tour

Details: Staging performances outside Uganda for raising revenue, sharing stories and enhancing the Bitone visibility.

Child Education Sponsorship

Details: Tuition and Scholastic materials of all Bitone Children: Primary School, Secondary School and College/University.

Sound Equipment

Details: To amplification during Bitone Performances. These include speakers, amplifiers, mixers, microphones, stage lights and stands, and a computer

LONG-TERM

Recording Studio

Details: For production of Bitone music and dances

35- Seater Bus (vehicle)

Details: For transporting children to school and to the performance venues within Uganda

Once again, thank you so much for taking time to read our monthly updates and as always, we would like to hear from you.

For any inquiries, you may contact us:

Executive Director –Branco Sekalegga

E-mail: brancolarrys@hotmail.com

Phone (+256) 772 – 442-274

Bitone International Programs Coordinator – Sarah Heddon

E-mail: slheddon@gmail.com

Phone (810) 923 – 1879

Member, Bitone Music Production – Grant Buhr.

E-mail: granttbuhr@gmail.com

Phone (773) 703 – 9620

In Peace and Friendship!

Bitone Team.

Bitone Troupe Preparing for a Performance

At Bitone Center

Dance Rehearsals

Angel and Jane-Rose, a few hours to doing PLE

Bitone Perfoming at a wedding ceremony

Sylvia

Links:

Bitone Main Website

Bitone Updates: AUGUST 2011

Branco Sekalegga — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:38:32 GMT

Sylvia from school

Bitone Updates: August 2011

Dear friend, happy August 2011. Warm greetings from Bitone Center! We hope this communication finds you well.

Here we are, again, to share with you our latest program news. Although we have had some challenges here and there, we are glad that our message is steadily reaching out and that you are still standing with us in these times when Bitone is suffering the current on-going financial crisis.

We are, therefore, deeply appreciative of the role you have played, and in supporting our children grow productively and impact others’ lives through sharing their stories, talents, and smiles. Thank you so much.

EDUCATION:

We are proud to announce that, following their successful completion of the Makerere University Special Entry Examinations, Rosco Kayongo, Damalie Nabanakulya and Francis Kyeyune –all members of Bitone have been given admission to pursue a diploma in Music, Dance and Drama. We invite any one who might be interested in supporting these children with their education.

Similarly, the following students will be sitting for their High School Final Exams starting October 2011 –Aisha Blessed, Mary Nansamba, Damalie Nabanakulya. We wish them good luck!

The upcoming term of study is our busiest academic semesters and we invite you to continue support these young ones in any way possible to help them ensure academic success. With your help, we can make a powerful investment into Uganda’s future and elsewhere in the world. If you would like to sponsor a child for a year (or part of the year), or provide any other forms of education assistance, please consider making a donation.

PERFORMANCES:

In the last month, Bitone Troupe has staged two community music and dance concerts as part of our goal to reach out to the local communities through sharing our stories, social message, talents, love and hope in children of Uganda. The performances took place in Lugoba village and Luweero Village –areas that represent a great number of children and youth who need hope and healing.

BITONE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

We are glad to announce our new constituted Bitone Board of Directors:

Lorie Barbieri

She met Branco during his U.S. tour of SOUL. She owns Barbieri Court Reporting and works as a freelance court reporter. Her passion is serving in organizations, which have a positive impact on the lives of young children.

Professor Alice Hadler

Alice is a professor at Wesleyan University, where she met Branco. She works hard to link international partners to Bitone Center. Last summer, she and her husband visited Bitone Center, interacted with Bitone children and toured the facilities. (New Haven, Connecticut).

Thomas Hunsdorfer

Tom Hunsdorfer is semi-retired and works as a nonprofit consultant and free-lance writer. He most recently held the position of Executive Director of the Forks Senior Center in Albion, Michigan and before that served six years as Assistant to the President of Albion College. He has also been Executive Director of the Greater Albion Alliance, Executive Director of the Albion Volunteer Service Organization, and Adjunct Faculty member at Jackson Community College and Kellogg Community College.

He has written numerous articles on hunger, poverty, and homelessness, and presently serves as President of the Board of the Albion District Library. He has traveled to Nepal, India, Central America, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic on service-related work.

Tom holds B.A. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of Delaware.

David Murphy

David is an East African Music Producer, artist extraordinaire. David has done art, music, and film projects in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and most recently Canada. He’s the Director of Akhenaton Productions. (Vancouver, Canada and Kampala, Uganda)

Rogers Wamanya

Rogers is the current President of the Rotary club of Kampala East. He is an accountant by profession and has worked with Bitone Center helping with fundraising and community outreach efforts since 2009. (Kampala, Uganda)

BITONE CURRENT NEED’S LIST 2001

SHORT-TERM

Land Purchase & construction of Bitone Center

Details: A minimum of 5 acres. This will accommodate the home for the children, a theatre, a garden, rehearsal rooms, a recreation ground, a Library and a cultural village.

Child Education Sponsorship

Details: Tuition and Scholastic materials of all Bitone Children: Primary School, Secondary School and College/University.

Sound Equipment

Details: To amplification during Bitone Performances. These include speakers, amplifiers, mixers, microphones, stage lights and stands, and a computer

Feeding

Details: Daily meals for all Bitone children.

LONG-TERM

Bitone Performance Tour

Details: Staging performances outside Uganda for raising revenue, sharing stories and enhancing the Bitone visibility.

Recording Studio

Details: For production of Bitone music and dances

35- Seater Bus (vehicle)

Details: For transporting children to school and to the performance venues within Uganda

Once again, thank you so much for taking time to read our monthly updates and as always, we would like to hear from you –what you think about our project and/or if there is anything you would like us to address!

For any inquiries, you may contact us:

Executive Director –Branco Sekalegga

E-mail: brancolarrys@hotmail.com

Phone (+256) 772 – 442-274.

Bitone International Programs Coordinator – Sarah Heddon

E-mail: slheddon@gmail.com

Phone (810) 923 – 1879

Member, Bitone Music Production – Grant Buhr.

E-mail: granttbuhr@gmail.com

Phone (773) 703 – 9620

We look forward to hearing from you.

In Peace and Friendship!

Bitone Team.

Steven K

Brenda

Joseph ready for Lunch

Community Concert

Omugudo drumming

Doreen in a Kinyarwanda Dance

Steven Rehearsing Bass Bow Harp

Bitone Troupe in a Pot Dance

Sylvia in Otwenge Dance

Augustine

Luweero Village Performance

Links:

Bitone Updates: MARCH 2011

Branco Sekalegga — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 05:05:19 GMT

Sylvia: designing a beaded necklace

Hello Bitone Friend!

Warm greetings from Bitone Center! We hope this communication finds you well.

Here we are, again, to share with you our latest program news, as we celebrate all the achievements witnessed since the beginning of the year. Although we have had some challenges here and there, we are glad that our message is steadily reaching out and benefiting a wider community.

Bitone New Website:

As you might already know, our new website was launched and its up, running. The new site features all our programs in detail, the children’s stories, different ways to get involved and much more. Please take time and visit the site and lets us know if you have any questions. We thank all those who contributed to this accomplishment. The site is updated regularly to feed you with the most current news. So, check it out as often as you can. Our domain remains: http://www.bitonechildren.org

Academics:

Following successful completion of their examinations, Gloria K. Pichan was enrolled at Kawempe Royal College and she is majoring in Biology and Chemistry. Similarly, Godfrey, Steven, Joseph, and Sylvia joined senior one at the same school.

We have made progress in meeting this challenge, but we have not reached the goal. If you would like to sponsor a child or provide any other forms of education assistance, please consider making a one time or monthly recurring tax deductible donation at our donation page: http://bitonechildren.org/donate.html

Performances

We aim at providing the next generation of Ugandans to fully participate and assume leadership roles in their communities.

Unfortunately, most of our revenue is depleted by the high rental costs of the required performance machines and transport expenses. In order for the Bitone Troupe to bring in more revenue (through its performances), to support the center, we are seeking to acquire the following items.

Amplifiers (02) –professional 4,000 Watts
Mixers (02) –12 output channel
Microphones (15) –cordless, clipped and cabled
Microphone stands: Minimum (10)
Speakers: Tops (4) and Basses (2)–full range (1,000 Watts)
Stage lights: Portable (1 full set)
Step down/Converter/Power stabilizer: 240 Voltage (2)
Speaker-ons, wires and cross-over for speakers (several)
Power generator (1)
Van/mini bus

Current Critical Areas

Bitone is currently facing a serious financial crisis. Particularly, in the last two months, food costs have doubled following a long dry season Ugandan is currently facing. Schools have also hiked their education fees/tuition and at the same time, scholastic needs have become ridiculously expensive. More so, our landlady has also raised the rental fees for our center (after many years of asking us minimal rental costs).

At the moment, we urgently need a minimum $5,000 to cater for the most urgent areas below as we continue explore measures for future sustainability. The following three areas below for which we are seeking your support are in a critical need.

Feeding: $3,000 (for immediate use)
Rent: $800
Books, Uniforms, Registration and Lunch Fees: $1,200 (current semester)

Today, we truly need your immediate help. Please also pass on this call to any of your friends who may be willing to contribute towards achieving the highly needed $5,000. You can make a tax-deductable donation to Bitone through GlobalGiving by visiting our website at: http://bitonechildren.org/donate.html

For any inquiries, please contact us at info@bitonechildren.org

Thank you in advance for standing with us right now. We look forward to hearing from you as we go through this crisis.

In Peace and Friendship!

Bitone Team.

Recreation: at Lake Victoria

Bitone Troupe: Joseph Performing

William: wade in the waters!

Brenda and Nicola: Building Friendship

Brenda and Sylvia: comparing bracelets

Links:

New Bitone Website

Bitone Future Hopes 2011

Branco Lawrence Sekalegga — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 21:41:54 GMT

Children Revising for Final Exams

Hello Bitone Friend!

Lets first take this opportunity to wish you the most rewarding and peaceful New Year 2011.

We know it’s been a little while since you’ve heard directly from us, so here we are again to share with you our latest program news and updates from the Bitone Children's Center Team. Recently, things have been very busy over here, as we’ve been working really hard to find resources for our current 24 children. Although coupled with many challenges, most of our 2010 goals remain unresolved, by God’s grace, and because of your faithful support, this has been one of the most remarkable years of service we have ever witnessed.

Bitone Children and Staff want you to know how deeply grateful we are to you for the role you have played in supporting our children grow in their potentials and productivity while promoting unity and peace through our programs –humanitarian aid (food, shelter, and medical support), education, and artistic training in music and dance. Thank you so much indeed!

Academics:

I invite you to join me in congratulating several of our children who sat for their final examinations between October and November 2010.

Gloria K. Pichan and Rosco Kayongo sat for their Senior 4 examinations (Uganda National Examinations Board) at Kawempe Royal College. Similarly, Godfrey Sekitto, Steven Kyobe, Joanita Suubi Afochian, Joseph Mayanja, and Sylvia Nansumba sat for their Primary Leaving Examinations (P.L.E) on November 2^nd -3^rd 2010. Thank you all who supported them with their educational expenses.

EDUCATION EXPENSES:

Education is continuing to be a challenge. The envisaged education costs for our 24 children for the coming academic term is $3,961.00. Please find the attached detailed itemized fees structure below.

We invite you to continue support these young ones in any way possible to help them ensure academic success. If you would like to sponsor a child for a year (or part of the year), or provide any other forms of education assistance, please consider making a donation. We have made progress in meeting this challenge, but we have not reached that goal.

You may also wish to make your donation to a specific Bitone child of your choice. For details about this option, please contact our Executive Director at brancolarrys@hotmail.com or Phone: +1 206-841-2304

Performances:

Unfortunately, due to lack of essential performance needs like sound/amplifying machines, and transportation needs, we have not registered many performances in the last quarter of 2010. However, the children’s performance skills continue to grow each day –creating greater confidence and assurance for their future.

Solar Cookers:

In an attempt to reduce the costs spent on charcoal, Bitone seeks to obtain four (4) solar cookers/ovens for cooking purposes. Every month, Bitone spends about $115.00 on charcoal purchases. Acquiring solar cookers will not only help us cut down expenses that Bitone is incurring on charcoal, but will also address the need to protect our environment through controlling deforestation. Bitone Team has already contacted a Ugandan US-based Ronald L. Mutebi, who is the Executive Director and President of Ugandan American Global Initiatives in charge of solar oven distribution in Uganda. Currently, the cost of a solar cooker/oven is about $300. For more information, please visit http://www.ugandanamericanglobalinitiatives.org/board.html

Today, we truly need your immediate help. Bitone needs to receive a minimum of $30,000 in support of its humanitarian (food, shelter, medical), artistic empowerment, and education support of our 24 children for the year 2011.

Or as God has blessed you last year, and you’re able to support the work of Bitone Children's Center with generous donation of $200 or more, Bitone Children would like to thank you by sending you a gif of appreciation... Bitone Music and Dance Documentary, Summer 2010, DVD series.

In case you are interested in offering any kind of help or for any inquiries, kindly contact our Executive Director –Branco Lawrence Sekalegga at: brancolarrys@yahoo.com

Phone (206) 841 – 2304.

In Peace and Friendship!

Bitone Troupe Instruments

Junior in Runyege Dance

Bitone Children performing with Volunteers

Angel, our Poet

Branco Showing Guitar Chords to Grant

Bitone Featuring in "Speak..." Docementary

Links:

Attachments:

Bitone Fees Structure 2011 (PDF)

Bitone Voices of Hope

Branco Lawrence Sekalegga — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 02:57:58 GMT

Bitone Troupe Perfom on a Wedding

Bitone Updates:

Dear friend, we would like to thank you for your continued support towards Bitone center for disadvantaged children. Thanks again for considering supporting us through Global Giving. It’s our pleasure working with you as we offer life skills to our needy children through providing shelter, education and arts empowerment. We sincerely appreciate and value your contribution so highly!

Our efforts are continually inspired by everyday success stories of our current 24 children. The Bitone’s wholistic approach which unlocks the potential of this generation by providing tools for success in life, creating confident, skillful, visionary leaders re-affirms that children can take charge of their lives if given an opportunity. Values of trustworthiness, sincerity, tolerance, empathy and interpersonal intelligence continue to grow in each child every day.

Located in Lugoba Village Kawempe Division in Kampala District, Bitone Children's Center has established itself as a home for rebuilding voices of hope. By educating community members through our regular music and dance trainings and performances in our local village and across the country, we help raise awareness of children’s vulnerabilities and their rights.

Bitone Website Progress:

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we were unable to launch the New Website as we promised. The person who was developing the site eventually failed due lack of adequate skills and resources. Currently, we are seeking for any volunteer who might be willing to offer their technical skills or advice in developing this highly needed new site. Our current site is at: www.bitonechildren.org In case you are interested in offering any kind of help on this matter, kindly contact our Executive Director –Branco Lawrence Sekalegga at: brancolarrys@yahoo.com

Performances:

Bitone Troupe has been hired to perform at a corporate reception on the October 24, 2010 in Kampala. As usual, Bitone children will showcase their new performance repertoire that involves instrumental music, vocal music, poetry and Ugandan traditional dances. All revenue from this concert will go towards paying the outstanding children medical bills as accumulated in the months of July, August and October.

Academics:

Bitone Center is proud to announce that starting October 18, 2010 our senior four students –Gloria K. Pichan and Rosco Kayongo will begin their final exams (Uganda National Examinations Board) at Kawempe Royal College. The exams will be concluded in late November this year. We would like to wish them great success!

Similarly, our primary candidates –Godfrey Sekitto, Steven Kyobe, Joan Suubi Afochian, Joseph Mayanja, and Sylvia Nansumba will sit for their Primary Leaving Examinations (P.L.E) on November 2^nd -3^rd this year. We also wish them good luck in their academic endeavors.

This is one of our busiest academic semesters and we invite you to continue support these young ones in any way possible to help them ensure academic success. With your help, we can make a powerful investment into Uganda’s future and elsewhere in the world. If you would like to sponsor a child for a year (or part of the year), or provide any other forms of education assistance, please consider making a donation. The current education costs for our children are as below:

Primary School (13 students): $150 per term or $450 per year:
Secondary School (9 students): $170 per term or $510 per year:
University Level (2 students): $400 per term or $800 per year:

We would also like to share with you our current Bitone plans as part of the resources needed for the benefit of Bitone children. As always, gifts to Bitone Children's Center perform forever. Your continuous gifts/donations support the center and meet the needs of the children far into the future. Even though most of our children had lost meaning in life, it’s because of the power of love, their lives have been transformed and given meaning with new hope and a new start.

We invite you to make a donation to support any of our current special projects below:

1. Solar Cookers: In an attempt to reduce the costs spent on charcoal, Bitone seeks to obtain 3 solar cookers for cooking purposes. Every month, Bitone spends about $115.00 on charcoal purchases. Acquiring solar cookers will also help address the global environmental issues such as global warming and respiratory healthy complications to which our children are vulnerable.

2. Solar Powered Refrigerators: These will help keep perishable foods and fruits longer. They will also assist in keeping water safe and clean for the children to prevent water-borne diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid.

3. Sound Equipment for Bitone Performances: We seek to obtain our own sound equipment so revenue received from Bitone Troupe performances is not absorbed by costly equipment rental. These include;

a. Amplifiers (02) –professional 4,000 Watts

b. Mixers (02) –Minimum 12 output channel

c. Microphones (15) –divided into cordless, clipped and cabled

d. Microphone stands: Minimum (10)

e. Speakers: Tops (4) and Basses (2)–full range (1,000 Watts)

f. Stage lights: Portable (1 full set)

g. Step down/Converter/Power stabilizer: 240 Voltage (2)

h. Speaker-ons, wires and cross-over for speakers (several)

i. Power generator (1)

4. Rain Water Storage Tank Combo: Installing a water tank will ensure efficient water supply at the center for hygienic purposes –washing, cooking, showering etc.

5. Indoor and Outdoor games: During leisure time, kids need to engage in such games for health purposes, and to boost the socialization aspect on which Bitone is built. So, we seek to acquire various children’s and youth games that are appropriate to them.

As always, we would like to hear from you –what you think about our project and/or if there is anything you would like us to address!

If you have any inquiries, please write to our Executive Director at brancolarrys@yahoo.com

Thank you!

Godfrey rocking on the Bass Adungu

Steven in Class at Kawempe Royal

Angel in a Dance Workshop

Augustine Composing on a Bow Harp

Bitone kids enjoying a party

Links:

Bitone Website

Thank you and Updates!

Branco Lawrence Sekalegga — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:33:44 GMT

Kids in a dance rehearsal July 24, 2010

Thank you and updates:

On behalf of Bitone Children and Staff, I wish to thank all of you who have supported our project. As a non-profit organization, we cannot overemphasize the essential role that you play in ensuring our future success and sustainability. Please continue and consider increasing your support of our on-going efforts!

Although the measurable impact was intended for the 11 boys and 13 girls currently at the Bitone center, there is no doubt that the project has and will continue to benefit and enrich many others in the Lugoba village (location of the center), the surrounding community and Uganda as a whole. Bitone staff and many volunteers have experienced many occasions at the center when neighbors and people of the village support the efforts being made at the center. On site rehearsals draw neighborhood children who watch and support the Troupe. Below are some of the updates from Bitone Center.

Bitone Website:

Bitone will be launching a New Website in the coming month. This highly improved site will feature all the Bitone programs and will offer a forum for learning more about our children’s everyday lives and the on-going efforts for Bitone. On the same site, you will learn more about the incredible staff and volunteers who have consistently supported the Bitone mission. The site will also present various ways on how to get involved in the entire Bitone Program. Our domain name will remain as: www.bitonechildren.org

Performances:

July 10th, 2010: Bitone Troupe performed on a classic wedding at Serena Hotel. The children’s excellent dance and exceptional musical skills irresistibly enthralled the audience from start to the end. A Californian audio engineer and Bitone supporter, Grant Buhr witnessed the marvelous show. Children were smartly clad in some of the costumes resources you generously donated several months ago.

July 17th, 2010: The children performed on an introduction ceremony in Nsooba community village. This was yet another opportunity for the children to show case their newly launched dance and music repertoire. Dances performed included; Ekitaguriro from Ankole (Western Uganda), Otwenge from Northern Uganda and Bakisimba from Central Uganda. The show which lasted for about 5 hours moved the audience and brought more joy in the lives of the children and the community members.

Academics:

We are pleased to inform you that our daughter Elizabeth Nantongo who finished high school last year has been admitted at Makerere University, Kampala to pursue a degree in Community Psychology. We thank you all for your prayers and support. Elizabeth is the second Bitone member to reach University level after Deborah Nabatanzi who is now in her second year at Kampala International University, doing a degree in Human Resource Management. Congratulations Elizabeth and everyone! You made us proud.

Whereas Elizabeth’ news comes with high excitement, it also presents some challenges. We are therefore still counting on your support to allow our children stay in school to achieve academic success desired as our mission always stands for.

“I could never believe that one day I would be enrolled in a University. I wish to thank everyone for facilitating this achievement. I am also thankful to my fellow children at Bitone Center for the great love and encouragement they have shown me since I turned a high school candidate. Thank you my brothers and sisters. My dream after school is to stop community evils particularly rape and defilement of young girls. Girls need empowerment to contribute successfully to the community and I am sure, with education, I can do it” said Elizabeth Nantongo.

In more related news, this year, two Bitone children hope to sit for their senior four (Ordinary Level) national exams. Gloria and Rosco are expected to sit for the final exams in October 2010 at Kawempe Royal College. We wish them success!

In similar news, our primary candidates Godfrey, Steven, Joan and Sylvia are also preparing for their primary leaving examinations scheduled for November this year. We also wish them good luck in their academic endeavors. We invite you to continue support these young ones in any way possible to help them ensure academic security. In Uganda, education costs continually present a big challenge yet Africa's future depends on the education of its children. Due to conditions of poverty coupled with high rate of employment, education is out of reach for most children. We are committed to providing quality education for our current capacity of 24 children. With your help, we can make a powerful investment into Uganda’s future and elsewhere in the world. If you would like to sponsor a child for a year (or part of the year), or provide any other forms of education assistance, please consider making a donation. Below is the break-down of the current education costs.

Primary School (13 students): $150 per term or $450 per year: Secondary School (9 students): $170 per term or $510 per year: University Level (2 students): $400 per term or $800 per year:

Alternatively, you may choose to support some of our current Strategic Plans and Needs for this year as below. We welcome any advice and partnerships to enable us secure these resources for the benefit of the disadvantaged children, Uganda and elsewhere in the world.

1.Solar Cookers: In an attempt to reduce the costs spent on charcoal, Bitone seeks to obtain 3 solar cookers for cooking purposes. Every month, Bitone spends about $115.00 on charcoal purchases. Acquiring solar cookers will also help address the global environmental issues such as global warming and respiratory healthy complications which are caused by deforestation and environmental pollution.

2.Solar Powered Refrigerators: Will help keep perishable foods longer. They will also assist in keeping water safe and clean for the children to prevent water-borne diseases resulting from lack of proper storage.

3.Bitone Gardening: Bitone seeks to improve the nutrition intake per child by renting land and grow vegetables and short seasonal fruits. Currently, due to high food prices, the kids are fed primarily maize flour, rice and beans which are also costly. 4.Sound Equipment for Bitone Performances: We seek to obtain our own sound equipment so revenue received from Bitone Troupe performances is not absorbed by costly equipment rental. These include; a. Amplifiers (02) –professional 4,000 Watts b. Mixers (02) –Minimum 12 output channel c. Microphones (15) –divided into cordless, clipped and cabled d. Microphone stands: Minimum (10) e. Speakers: Tops (4) and Basses (2)–full range (1,000 Watts) f. Stage lights: Portable (1 full set) g. Step down/Converter/Power stabilizer: 240 Voltage (2) h. Speaker-ons, wires and cross-over for speakers (several) i. Power generator (1)

5.Performance Tours Program: Bitone could become self sustaining through performance tours and workshops. So far, Bitone Troupe has won national and international recognition for their performance excellence. We believe that performance tours will help Bitone Center generate more revenue and at the same time develop more partnerships. Bitone seeks resources to develop international performance tours in the U.S., Europe and other countries to further foster international exchange and development.

6.Studio/ Computer Resource: With the current music skills and repertoire built by Bitone kids, we are seeking resources to open up a music recording studio for children’s technological resourcefulness. The studio will also be used as a resource for revenue by attracting local and international musicians who may wish to make recordings. The Computer resource will provide opportunities for the kids to learn basic computer applications, facilitate literacy and education research.

7.Indoor and Outdoor games: During leisure time, kids need to engage in such games for health purposes, and to boost the socialization aspect on which Bitone is built. So, we seek to acquire various children’s and youth games that are appropriate to the cause.

If you have any inquiries, please write to our Executive Director at brancolarrys@yahoo.com

Thank you!

Grant sharing guitar skills to Steven

Deborah supervising the center

Hassan Kayemba, Co-founder performs

Elizabeth Nantongo

Links:

Bitone Official Website

Attachments:

Bitone Annual Action Review (PDF)

Bitone Children Updates May 2010

Branco Sekalegga — Tue, 11 May 2010 04:23:14 GMT

Angel: Head Girl for Sanitation at her School

Dear Bitone friends,

Warm greetings to you all from Bitone children and staff. We congratulate you for whatever success you have achieved since we last heard from you, and we wish you luck in your next endeavors. We wish to thank you for your continued support towards Bitone programs. Thank you so much. Your advices, guidance, and support will always be appreciated. On behalf of the children and staff, I would like to update you on a number of issues as they have emerged in the past three months:

Recent Expenditures: Here are the successes achieved in the past three months: • Six Bitone candidates sat and successfully passed their examinations. • In April, Bitone Troupe was hired to perform at two local weddings in Kampala. The troupe raised a total of $400.00 which has been used to purchase food staffs. • $340 was spent on children’s medical bills and supplies. • $1,792 has been spent on procuring food staffs and home supplies and personal items for the kids during the months of March and April. • $150 has been spent to buy school uniforms for all primary kids at Guiding Star primary school.

Costume-making Project: Due to financial constraints, we have not been able to procure the remaining needed set of costumes as we had hoped. According to our initial budgets, Bitone is still looking out for funds to make the following dance costumes to enable us mitigate hiring costs which depletes a big portion of our performance revenue. Below are the dances and their cost structure for which we are seeking financial assistance: Name of Dance Quantity Cost Ekizino 25 pieces $375 Ekitaguriro 25 pieces $300 Tamenaibuga 14 pieces $210 Mwaga 25 pieces $375 Amaggunju 25 pieces $375 Otole 25 pieces $375 Bamagara 18 pieces $210 Dingding 14 pieces $375 Gaze 14 pieces $210

Academics: We wish to congratulate all the Bitone Children who successfully completed their various levels of education. 1. Aisha Nabitosi completed her senior four at Excel High School and past in the 1st grade. She was the best candidate at her school and was awarded a certificate of recognition. Vision Uganda –a Ugandan based organization which gives education scholarships to academically successful students has awarded tuition assistance to Aisha for her senior five year of study in recognition of her academic excellence. She is now pursuing her education at Gayaza School in the science department offering Math, Physics, Economics and Entrepreneurship subjects. Bitone is really proud of her achievements. 2. Damalie Nabanakulya completed her senior four level of education at Kawempe Royal College and past in the 2nd grade. She is offering arts subjects with emphasis on economics. Her dream is to become a woman activist –a voice to all women who are mistreated because of their gender and societal-cultural placement. 3. Mary Nansamba completed her senior four level of education at Kawempe Royal College and past in the 3rd grade. She is now majoring in the arts subjects and her dream is to become a school teacher. 4. Elizabeth Nantongo completed High School at Happy Hours Secondary School. She scored 13 points and she is pending joining College /University in August this year 2010. She was the second best performing student at her school. Elizabeth would like to purse her degree in Human Rights subject to position her with means to create a social positive change in Ugandan local communities. She is particularly interested in promoting the values of a girl-child and her goal is to fight vices of rape, defilement and child labor. 5. Junior Kiiza successfully finished primary seven and has now joined senior one at Kawempe Royal College. He scored a super second grade. At Kawempe Royal College, he has been offered a half bursary for the coming 2nd term of study because of his outstanding academic performance he showed last term. 6. Steven Seguya completed his primary education with a 2nd grade. Steven also joined Kawempe Royal College and like his colleague Junior, he has been awarded a half bursary because of his academic excellence.

We congratulate you Bitone kids and we wish for you success in your academic endeavors. Meanwhile, this year, we have five (5) primary candidates studying at Guiding Star Primary school and three (2) senior four candidates at Kawempe Royal College. They hope to sit for the national examinations at the end of this year. Unfortunately, Aisha Nandujja was unable to register for the said Examinations (UNEB) because of her sight and hearing illness. We pray that she gets well and rejoin her academic journey soon.

Bitone Home Affairs: We wish to report to you that the general welfare of our children has continued to reflect great values despite the on-going financial constraints bitone is facing. Each day that passes, kids become more aware of their future roles and value. By providing healing, intellectual, education and interaction through music and dance, our children's voices have reverberated- offering strength to talk about their past with assurance. We would like to invite you pay us a visit at the center and share with you our love, smiles, and talent. We call upon any interested volunteers to work with us in the various programs Bitone offers.

Bitone Troupe (Music and Dance Project): The Bitone music and dance troupe has continued to become more vibrant and recognizable both in our local communities and across the country. Every kid has mastered a wider range of performance repertoire which includes dancing, singing, and instrument playing. We do hope to generate more revenue through the children’s performances to assist the center. Currently, due to lack of sound machines, enough costumes, and other resources required for a performance, most of our revenue is depleted through hiring such resources. You may access the Bitone music and children’s stories through the following links: http://www.myspace.com/bitonetroupe or http://www.bitonetroupe.blogspot.com/

Action Plan: Once again we would like to thank all of you for the support you have rendered to us in support of the children. In lieu of the current financial challenges, the management of Bitone Center is currently considering to initiate small scale programs which will help the center acquire the needed resources and to form partnerships with schools, organizations or any interested individuals. Some of the thought programs include:

1. Gardening: Leasing a sizeable pieces of land one which we can grow vegetables, fruits and short term growing crops. This project will not only improve on the nutrition intake per child but also will provide opportunities for the children to learn and acquire basic gardening skills for their future life. It is our intent to equip the children with such extra valuable resources.

2. Solar Cookers: Bitone seeks to buy and install solar cookers at the center in response to the global environmental concerns and to the rising prices for charcoal. Since its inception in 2004, Bitone has been using charcoal for cooking costing us about $ 8.00 per day. Money spent on buying charcoal could be used to support children’s education or other home-related needs. Three solar cookers can efficiently serve the center. Currently, each solar cooker costs $243.00 according to the: http://www.altestore.com/store/Energy-Efficient-Products/Solar-Ovens/Global-Sun-Oven/p1654/. Any assistance on this project item is highly appreciated.

3. Pen pal Program: In January, Bitone initiated a pen pal program between students of Greenville school and Bitone Center in which they share their personal stories, struggles, successes, dreams and everyday life. Initially, the program is made possible through letter writing. The future plan is to involve music sharing in which members of both groups will work on a single musical item in succession. The project is aimed at helping kids find confidence in expression and at the same time learn life (cultural interaction) of each others countries. We believe that young people can be charged with responsibility to talk about issues concerning their communities and propose possible solutions to those challenges. Bitone would like to have more pen pal programs with other schools, clubs, etc. Kindly let us know of any interested parties in this project idea.

4. Performance Tours: One of our best achievements so far has been the formation of Bitone Dance and Music performance Troupe made up of Bitone children. The troupe performs a varied repertoire of professionally designed/ choreographed Uganda traditional music, dance, and folklore. Currently, we are seeking opportunities on launching performance tours both locally and internationally. Apart from raising self esteem, confidence as well as psychological and physiological well-being of the children, this project will definitely generate revenue for the center. Anyone interested in helping us launch this project is welcome.

Finally, we would like to welcome any suggestions, support, advice, and any other forms of assistance needed to complete these projects. Please let us know what you think about these plans. We would love to hear from you. Thank you so much and as always “In art We Unite”. For more information about the above projects or general inquiries, please write to our Executive Director at: brancolarrys@yahoo.com

Godfrey: Head of Children's Disciplinary Committee

Steven: Sharing his skills with Ryan

Branco: Playing with his Kids at the Center

MusicTherapy: Ryan plays empowering guitar music

Donation: Kids receive blankets from Ryan and Abby

Kids perform for locals at Bitone Center

Links:

Attachments:

Bitone School Fees Structure, 2010 (PDF)

Bitone Costume Project Progress

Branco Sekalegga — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 07:52:42 GMT

Costume Tailoring

Following our last communication on the expenditure plans for the funds you generously donated to this project, we constituted and mandated a task force that developed actual costume budgets, contract agreements with the tailors, as well as monitoring measures on the project progress.

I am glad to inform you that the task force has been able to accomplish a big chunk of the envisaged strategy. On my own behalf and on behalf of the children we congratulate and thank you dearly for your generous financial support. Thank you so much indeed! So far, we have made the following costumes: i) Runyege-Ntogoro dance (from South West Uganda): 12-tops, 12-skirts, 12-rings, 24-bikers, 12-shirts and 12-trousers. ii) Nankasa-Baakisimba dance (from Central Uganda): 12-obujwenge, 12-ankle bells, 12-pet coats and 10 red ebikooyi. iii) Otwenge dance (from Northern Uganda): 12-tops, 12-skirts, 12-ebisenso. iv) Other general Items: 24-pairs of dancing shoes, 24-pairs of dancing stockings, 1-over-sized metallic costume case and several decorating beads.

According to our strategic demand, we still need to make full costumes for the ten (10) remaining dances including: Ekizino, Ekitaguriro, Tamenaibuga, Mwaga, Mbaga, Amaggunju, Otole, Bamagara, Dingding and Gaze dance.

So far, the acquired costumes have not only boosted our performance repertoire and high visual appeal to our audiences, but have also facilitated our children to continue receive assured healing and expression through dance and music, thereby promoting further talent development. “With the great costume color choices and the spectacular designs made, we are now going to dance like there is no tomorrow, to continue show our audiences the power of music in creating peace and unity” said Ndagire Angel, a Bitone child. Ultimately, the project will foster more happiness and performance empowerment in the lives of these kids –today, tomorrow and forever. This is just the beginning!

Please let us know what you think about this progress so far. Do you have any suggestions on ways to complete this project? We would love to hear from you. Thank you for being a blessing in the lives of these kids, and as our motto says… “In Art We Unite”.

Clad in Runyege-Ntogoro Costume

Sylvia, Mary, Angel clad in Otwenge Costume

Links:

Thank you and Updates!

Branco Lawrence Sekalegga — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:59:14 GMT

Bitone Art work

To all of you who supported us during the Global Giving Project Challenge, thank you so much and congratulations again. Bitone is now a member of Global Giving community! We sincerely appreciate and value your contribution so highly!

With this momentum, the center is energized to continue with its rehabilitation programs to the children. We are very hopeful that our goal will be achieved. The kids are very excited to continue sharing their stories, struggles, challenges, successes, talents, future dreams and desire for peace to all of you.

Art Craft: We are very glad to inform you that Bitone Children finalized their two-month planned project of making and designing special beaded necklaces and ear rings and other jewelry made from local materials. The project is part of the on-going skill acquisition training and sharing. As part of awareness, the kids hope to showcase these items both at the center and possibly elsewhere. They also hope to sell them out and raise some money for their survival. You may also support them by buying some of their jewelry. Contact: brancolarrys@hotmail.com

As Bitone Center, we are committed to continue using art as a tool to foster a sense of belongingness and tolerance for peace –productivity and sustainability.

Academics: “I thank everyone who has contributed to my studies. I hope I will also have a chance to continue studying next year. My dream is to become a medical doctor and a musician…” said Aisha Nabitosi, S.4. On the 15th October, three Bitone children –Mary, Damalie and Aisha started sitting for their Ugandan National Examinations (UNEB) which will mark the end of the O-Level (Ordinary Level, Senior 4) leading them to Advanced Level. Other candidates (Junior and Steven) will be doing their Uganda Primary Leaving Examinations (P.L.E) on 3rd up to 6th November, 2009. Meanwhile, Elizabeth will be sitting for her senior six examinations starting on the 6th November, 2009. We wish them success!!

Bitone Candidates

Kids in a drawing competition