“For us, when you dance you have to feel that rhythm in your soul.”
Jennifer from ARC is one of the biggest champions of a women’s cooperative in Uganda, ladies who have come together to make change. “This is a group with career objectives,” she said. “They want to be somewhere. If we can support them as women, they’ll advocate for other women.”
One of the ways they’re making a difference? Through dance! The women’s group has turned dancing into a business, performing at cultural events and special occasions.
But there was a problem. They didn’t have enough instruments. So today, we’re stepping in to make sure their rhythm is strong.
As Jennifer said, rhythm is so important to a powerful dance performance. And without robust drumming, their dancing just didn’t pack enough punch.
“I remember one of the cultural events that we had,” said Jennifer, “they came with only one drum and one shaker. So it could not bring out that sound.”
We got the group enough new drums and shakers to show up to these performances in a big way. “With new instruments, at least now they have enough. Now they’ll be able to compete with any other dance group.”
The income generated from their performances will help these women leverage their other pursuits – like basket weaving and briquette making – into more profitable and sustainable projects. And from their savings, they can ensure that their kids go to school. That they’re getting enough to eat. And that their next bright idea is doable, too.
