Providing Alternatives through Dance and Theater

Since June, Ussoforal’s president and founder, Sadio Diatta Rosché, has been in the United States, working primarily through African dance venues to generate funds for Ussoforal’s activities in Senegal and Guinea-Bissau.  Generous benefactors have helped amass a large volume of used but still serviceable clothing that will be shipped via freight container to Dakar next month. Other contributions include sponsorship support to cover Ussoforal’s children’s school fees.

But the bulk of the funding raised has come from Sadio’s hard work preparing and selling African food and juices through a small-scale catering operation, and through the sale of African clothes.  One prime opportunity for this was at the annual 3-day African dance workshop organized by the Kankouran Dance Company in Washington, DC. where Grupo Ussoforal maintained a booth in the vendors’ hall.

Though these efforts have paid off, there is still much to be done.  Back in Africa, mentoring the children and rehearsing the dances continue, as do the adult literacy courses.  But the depressed economies in Senegal and Guinea-Bissau are taking their toll, as is the continued instability in Guinea-Bissau.  Grupo Ussoforal depends on volunteers to support their activities, and when times are hard, the volunteers need to think about making their own ends meet.  So demonstrations of solidarity through your generous support become more and more important.

Our deepest thanks to those who have helped us maintain the momentum and to continue to help make the children’s dream come true.  It is most appreciated.

Links:

• visit our website

In April, Grupo Ussoforal celebrated the 12^th anniversary of its being an officially registered non-profit humanitarian non-governmental organization in Guinea-Bissau.  As has now become tradition, the event was highlighted with performances by local popular artists as well as by the group’s young members, with a large turn-out by the parents and neighbors of the Plack II suburbs of Bissau.  The media was on hand to capture the festivities, and the group’s founder, Sadio Diatta Rosché, described the group’s origins and objectives in an interview that later aired not only on local television but was broadcast on Radio-Television Portugal to Portuguese-speaking countries worldwide as well.

Prior to the anniversary, 20 duffel bags of clothing and school supplies were received from the United States, as well as cash donation sponsorships to cover the school fees of some of the children.  These were distributed amid great enthusiasm and appreciation in both Senegal and Guinea-Bissau – occasions for dancing and showing gratitude for those who so generously shared with those less fortunate.

Times have been difficult in Guinea-Bissau and rife with political turmoil.  Insecurity and sporadic violence have driven many families to flee or to send their children back the villages.  Schools have been closed in the capital.  Ussoforal’s children’s dance and adult literacy activities have managed to be maintained, though with somewhat reduced attendance.  Fortunately, stability is now returning to Bissau, and with it, those who left to seek safety in the rural areas. 

During these troubled times in Bissau, Ussoforal is playing an important part in re-establishing a feeling of normalcy, and providing an opportunity to celebrate life and a renewed hope for the future.  Your generosity is particularly crucial now for the children.  Please continue to help make their dreams come true.

Links:

• visit our website