Keeping Ugandan Arts Alive Through Music, Dance & Drama: Our Journey to Nationals
"I love my school because we are able to discover our talents which some pupils in some schools don’t get the chance to..." - Juliana, 14, Primary Seven
On the 27th of August, an eager group consisting of the GLP MDD (Music, Dance, Drama) team, dedicated teachers, and a handful of Amolatar district officials embarked on a remarkable journey to Hoima, where the highly anticipated MDD nationals was scheduled to take place. The trip was filled with anticipation and excitement, and it turned out to be an unforgettable adventure.
Learn more about Co-founder, Collines and Executive Assistant, Ritah’s experience bringing our students to Nationals!
The Journey to Hoima, Uganda for Nationals!
The journey to Hoima was nothing short of amazing. We all reached our destination safely and in high spirits, setting the tone for what would be an extraordinary experience. As we settled into our accommodations, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air – we couldn't wait for the competition to begin.
The morning of the 28th was met with a buzz of excitement as our young talents were all set to kickstart the day. We took our children to the competition grounds, where they were scheduled to perform their hearts out. However, being our first time at such a prestigious event, we were in for a surprise. We quickly learned that securing a performance slot required us to be sharp and book the stage as early as possible.
Thankfully, we had some support from district officials and music teachers from other Amolatar schools who had come to back us up. Their guidance proved invaluable, as we navigated the intricacies of the competition.
A Week of Dedication
The subsequent days were filled with dedication and hard work. Early mornings were the norm as our talented young performers readied themselves for their moment in the spotlight. We managed to finish our performance by Saturday afternoon, and our children, alongside our dedicated music teacher, gave it their all.
On the Saturday of that week, the rules dictated that only the choir master, our esteemed teacher Calvin, was allowed to accompany the children for their final performance of sight singing. This provided us with an opportunity to convene a meeting with the rest of our team.
Planning for the Future
During this crucial meeting, we discussed the ways in which we could improve and support MDD in our community. It was disheartening to realize that this vital aspect of our cultural heritage had been largely abandoned by our district and community for years. We were determined to bring back the love and support it deserved.
The consensus was clear – to revive the spirit of MDD, we needed to organize community concerts. These events would not only showcase the beauty of MDD but also educate our community about its significance. Our members were enthusiastic, and plans began to take shape.
Securing Funding and Support
A budget was meticulously drafted for the upcoming concerts, and we brainstormed ways to secure funding from our community. Initiatives like radio talk shows were suggested, and one radio station had already granted our District Inspector of Schools free airtime to discuss our cause.
We were immensely grateful to all of our Far Away Friends across the globe who’s donations helped fuel this event, which allowed not only the children of GLP but the entire district to be represented at MDD nationals for the first time since 2007.
Our journey back to Amolatar commenced on Sunday, with the music teacher remaining behind to await our results. As all the participating schools departed, we couldn't help but reflect on the invaluable experience we had gained. Regardless of the outcome, our pupils and teachers have gained a wealth of exposure and experience, understanding the dedication and effort it takes to succeed on a national stage.
A Heartfelt Appreciation & Notes from Our Students
"I knew from day one that we would make it to nationals because our music teacher was putting a lot of efforts in teaching us." —Haggard, 14, Primary Seven
Haggard, who plays the xylophone, believes in our school's dedication to teaching talent and African traditions.
In conclusion, we want to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who supported us on this remarkable journey. The children, in particular, were elated to their very own "Far Away Friends" for making this opportunity a reality. Even the District Education Officer of Amolatar graced us with her presence, a testament to the significance of this event.
Together, we can bring back the love and support for MDD in our community and ensure that our cultural heritage continues to thrive.
Our journey to Hoima has been a transformative experience, igniting our passion for MDD. To ensure that the flame continues to burn bright, we still need your support.
We aim to raise $5,000 to fund our Music, Dance, and Drama program for the rest of the year. Your contribution will empower us to organize community concerts, educate our community, and nurture the talents of our children.
Together, let's revive the love for MDD and ensure its enduring presence in our community. Donate today and be a part of this incredible journey of melodies. Together, we can make a difference.
Thank you for your generosity and support!
With Love,
Collines & Ritah
Blog edited by Laney Bootz
