By Branco Sekalegga | Executive Director
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.
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
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 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
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.
Details: Tuition and Scholastic materials of all Bitone Children: Primary School, Secondary School and College/University.
Details: To amplification during Bitone Performances. These include speakers, amplifiers, mixers, microphones, stage lights and stands, and a computer
Details: Daily meals for all Bitone children.
LONG-TERM
Details: Staging performances outside Uganda for raising revenue, sharing stories and enhancing the Bitone visibility.
Details: For production of Bitone music and dances
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:
E-mail: brancolarrys@hotmail.com
Phone (+256) 772 – 442-274.
E-mail: slheddon@gmail.com
Phone (810) 923 – 1879
E-mail: granttbuhr@gmail.com
Phone (773) 703 – 9620
We look forward to hearing from you.
In Peace and Friendship!
Bitone Team.
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