Save our Expressions
for donations, see below
 

That morning, she had been caned at assembly for being late, her buttocks hurts, her hands hurt, her eye joins in, having picked up some grit from rubbing her eyes. Coupled with all this, Ada will have to walk two and a half miles to get home..… barefoot.  

You would expect her to be sad, despondent, depressed. Instead Ada has a twinkle in her eye, not the type caused by the dirt, but that caused by sheer delight, for today in the after-school class, she is participating in a creative arts workshop, a workshop to select 10 children that will participate in the Kambani Art tour.

Following last years successful tour, children from targeted public schools have been excitedly getting ready to participate in this years event in November which looks set to completely eclipse last years event. And last years tour was intense. Over 150 artists and 200 children from public sector schools participated, creating a whirlwind of African arts and culture and engaging in all aspects of the arts. From fashion and dance, to drama and role play, music and creative writing. Children enjoyed a tremendous nine day rollercoaster of creative fun which left many with a new answer to their choice of future career.

This years menu is looking awesome. The tour is set to open in Abuja where the children will be mesmerised by Nike Davis and her arts, music and cultural workshop extravaganza.  From Abuja the tour moves up to Kano in the North of Nigeria. There awaits a mouth-watering feast of culture, hosted by the most powerful traditional ruler in the land, his Excellency, the Emir of Kano.  The children have been invited to pay homage to the Emir as he breaks the dawn on his exquisitely decorated ceremonial horse.

Ten lucky children will then interview the Emir, asking a host of questions, delving into the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria’s colourful history. 

Not to be outdone, the tour then moves to the vibrant city of Calabar, a former slave axis, the place that in 1772, inspired John Newton to write the worlds most famous hymn – “Amazing Grace”. Children are set to take part in drama and role play to re-enact a graphic slave history theme. 

The final exhibition is set to take place in Nigeria’s premier business resort – The Tinapa Project. Calabar is famed for closing down in December for an entire month of carnival indulgence. The government supports this and everyone simply merges into one big vibrant family. What a dream package for a selection of lucky children, no wonder Ada has a twinkle in her eye, she is determined to give her all to partake in this experience of a lifetime, it is almost certain she will participate…or will she?

Sadly, it has just been confirmed that a major cash sponsor has pushed back their funding cycle. This means there will not be the anticipated funds available to facilitate the tour in November. If no alternative funds are sourced, the tour will have to be cancelled. I can’t begin to describe how this will adversely affect children like Ada who have spent months in preparation for the tour. Children in Nigeria do not get opportunities like this… a once in a lifetime experience, a life changing opportunity, a turning point in the cycle of life that could shape the future for Ada and others like her.

It is on this note that this appeal has been written. We are trying to raise enough funds to ensure that the tour goes ahead. We already have over £40,000 worth of sponsorship in kind. The venues are paid for, the hotel accommodation, the prizes and goodies for the children, the artists presentation screens, multimedia equipment, even the camera crew for the documentary project is covered…. But we still need about £10,000 to cover most logistics for the tour. the schools outreach, transportation to and between venues, production of a catalogue, refreshments for participants at workshops, paying allowances for schools project officers and traditional dance troops, etc. It is not that great a sum but without it the event cannot hold.

So we are opening an appeal until the end of October and if by that time we have managed to raise enough funds, the tour will go ahead and children like Ada will be smiling.
 

You can make a donation to the expressions again appeal by following the secure PayPal donation button below

or simply text hub to 84858
(you will be charged £3.00 for your text. £2.50 will be donated to the expressions again appeal courtesy of The Hub)   

You may also send a Personal or Company Cheque, Postal Order or    Bankers Draft to the address on the  contact page  above. Please make cheques payable to Kambani Arts. Thank You for your support