Uganda - After a short flight from Nairobi over the northern part of Lake Victoria (Africa's largest lake) to Entebbe, we were warmly greeted by our hosts Barnett and Grace. One of the things I noticed right away, was how different Uganda was from Kenya. While the landscape in Kenya was dry and dusty yellow, in Uganda the vibrant reds and greens stood in stark contrast. The people, too, had a vibrancy that is hard to describe. This day was for orientation only, as we were shown the location of the African Children’s Choir (ACC) primary school, a few universities, and the training center where we would be spending the next few days in residence. A pretty relaxed day, and thank goodness, if we only knew what the next day would hold.
The rest of our time in Uganda was an onslaught of activity. When we were picked up from the hotel, Melanie was instructed that she would be teaching a science class in a few minutes (something that she was not aware of). She would go on to teach many classes, including teaching the grade 7 students how to use microscopes, a skill that had been lost at the school. I was asked to help teach vocal technique through games. The first stop was a Music For Life program located at a primary school in a slum in Kampala. It was a wonderful experience, to see such joy in learning. This is a place where school is not taken for granted.
The ACC’s main program center is in Uganda. Here, they bring students usually at the primary school grade 1 and 2 and train them for a concert held in the United States. The students come from some of the most desperate situations in the country, where basic needs go unmet. Everything from food, clothing, school, and shelter is a daily struggle. Running water, cooking indoors, and much of what we take for granted are not even available for middle class families. The ACC finds these students and invests in them by providing an education through university level. They want to create social change through deep investment in individuals. It is quite remarkable, really, and such an inspiration.
What I was really excited about is to see the training and how they are able to get 7 - 9 year olds to perform at such a high level. This group recently appeared in the movie Pan. The singers only perform for one year, then it is all focused on their education. This time at the training center there were two choirs in residence, the primary level group prepping for America, and a high school group, the Young African's, which will travel to Australia. The next two weeks were filled with amazing experiences. It was impressive to see them work, hour after hour, in oppressive heat. Their dedication to their craft was thrilling. I learned a little drumming and a little dancing, but my favorite was the chorus of hugs that was central to every greeting. Such a warm and wonderful group. I can't wait to figure out a way for our two organizations to connect.
While in East Africa, I felt it would be important to take time to travel to Rwanda. As you know, Rwanda is where one of the world's most tragic genocides took place in 1994. Around a million people were killed in just 100 days, a rate that was three times as fast as the Holocaust. I visited the Genocide Museum to help put this conflict into perspective. There, we even had the chance to speak to a survivor. No words can fully express the emotions felt.
At Maranyudo Girls School, we met Sister Juvenal and so many wonderful students. It was exam time so everyone looked exhausted. That being said, it was simply wonderful to see all of the amazing things that are happening! I was impressed by all of their students’ work and especially loved the dancing, as Rwanda is known for their beautiful dancing. I gave the students a BCC CD and to my surprise, they couldn't put it down. I think we have new fans!
Miss you all! Love ATK
