EDUCATION AND PERFOMING ARTS FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

In Uganda, as elsewhere, there is a rich musical art and culture tradition which has resonated in times of social challenge. In the face of questions of national and cultural identity, music acts as a facilitator for greater understanding and consciousness. Music unites populations across cultures and borders. How else would you describe the joy, emotions, and inspiration people feel on hearing a song in a language they cannot fully understand? Music is universally adaptable and brings out the best in each one of us despite the circumstances.

Amongst the many disadvantaged groups of people in the world, an important majority are children living remote areas and homeless. Children in remote areas face highest level of deprivation with a wide spectrum of challenges, including learning difficulties, social segregation and negative stereotyping. Children from remote areas find it difficult to perform various functions such as communicating and socializing with others, and, in many situations, even looking after themselves. They are extremely vulnerable to drug abuse, self harm and depression, violation, poor self-image and a lack of self-confidence, opportunities, exposure, and access to education and live in absolute poverty.
PROPOSED INTERVATION
Appropriate interventions are therefore required for the disadvantaged young people to have a chance to look at the world through different eyes because the life they are living in is not the only path to take. Amongst these interventions is the integration of performing Arts (music, dance, instruments, poetry and theater) into their daily lives to acquire education.
In order to bridge the gap between the disadvantaged and advantaged, young people we must give an equal chance to the disadvantaged ones to experience the magic of education and music or performing Arts so as to Reduce aggression, Reduce self-harm, Reduce drug abuse and violence, Reduce negativity, Enhance creative expression, Build self-esteem, exposure and most importantly, brings joy, happiness and pride. And we believe this cannot be done by Saint Ann Foundation alone we need to partner with other stakeholders both local, national and international.

MAIN GOAL /OBJECTIVE:
To use performing (Dance, Drama and arts/Music to Transform and empower lives of disadvantaged children to acquire education to alleviate poverty.

OTHER OBJECTIVE:
Identify, nurture and promote natural acquired talents and skills of disadvantaged young people using both traditional and western music, dance, drama and instruments.