Ugandan center brings healing through dance

Rotary International News -- 12 June 2009
Photos by Alyce Henson/Rotary Images

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I n front of a black curtain draped over a clothesline, several children dance in a dirt clearing that constitutes their front yard.

The Bitone Center for Disadvantaged Children , located in Kampala, Uganda, is home to two dozen children ages 8-18. Many are orphans; others have lost their homes or been estranged from their families by disease, war, or economic hardship. The Rotary clubs of Kampala-East and Traverse Bay Sunrise, Michigan, USA, are providing support to the facility with help from a Rotary Foundation Matching Grant.

Bitone means "talents" in Luganda. The center was founded in 2004 by Lawrence "Branco" Sekalegga, who serves as its executive director and teaches the children traditional Ugandan dance, music, and theater. By connecting the children with their heritage and providing basic food, shelter, and education, the center strives to give them new hope and build their self-esteem.

On a visit to Bitone, Rotary International Senior Photographer Alyce Henson shot individual students using a technique known as time sequencing with continual shutter bursts with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II camera, at an aperture of f/5.0 and a shutter speed of 1/125. Using Henson's work, Photography Coordinator Miriam Doan created this essay, which showcases the children's skills, personalities, and exuberance -- all expressed through the healing power of art.

Watch for a photo essay in an upcoming issue of The Rotarian .

13 Comments:

At 9:08AM on 5 March 2010, BRIAN LUWAGA wrote: so interesting and nice for my beloved Uganda................. Rotaractor Brian Luwaga Masaka rotaract club

At 1:58PM on 19 November 2009, Haley Sharack wrote: B E A U T I F U L L!!!....and a HUGE testament to how we all need to share more DANCE! What POWER! Congratulations..

At 9:07AM on 13 November 2009, Rotr Aborisade Olaoluwa, RC Jos Sher Hills CB, D9125ng wrote: Dear Lawrence Branco, thanks for doing what you believe and putting smiles in the less privilege face. But you need to be a Rotarian and continue the GOOD work.

At 2:20PM on 13 August 2009, Abby wrote: My husband and I were at the Bitone Center for Children this past January. The difference you have made as a Rotary is incredible...thank you so much for the generosity and love your pour out to these children! They are an amazing family filled with lots of joy!

At 8:40AM on 13 August 2009, Dr Joseph Kigula (Past President) wrote: I am amazed at how these Children are developing so well despite all the problems they re going through! Thanks again to Rtn Klaus and Ann LuAnn with all the rotarians of Traverse City RC. May God abundantly bless you! Kampala East RC

At 12:23PM on 28 July 2009, Dr wilfred Sungura wrote: If you can imagine it, you can achieve it, If you can dream it, you can become it. Congratulations to all who made the difference. May GOD Bless you.

At 2:02PM on 17 June 2009, Branco wrote: Smiles, hopes, Smiles, hopes...are the only lyrics onto the singing faces of Bitone children. Thank you so much Rtn. Klaus and LuAnn and all the visiting rotarians for your incredible financial, moral and spiritual support towards Bitone Center. You are all awasome "dangerous" men and women. Bitone loves you all. Many blessings!

At 4:53PM on 17 June 2009, Branco wrote: Yes! Together we can; make a difference in the lives Bitone Children for a better future. I am so grateful for Rtn. Klaus and LuAnn and all the visiting rotarians whose moral, financial, physical and spiritual support can never be under estimated. You are really "dangerous" men and women! Bitone loves you all. Many blessings!

At 9:44AM on 16 June 2009, John F. Salan wrote: Congratulations to the Traverse Bay Sunrise Rotary club for making dreams real. Never underestimate the power of a Rotarian with a dream for he or she can truly move mountains . John Salan DGE 6290

At 9:45AM on 16 June 2009, Marilyn Fitzgerald, Past President, Rotary Club of Traverse City, Mi. wrote: Beautiful people, beautiful dance and spirits! Wonderful project! Heartfelt congratulations to Rtn. Klaus Heinert, the Rotary Club of Traverse Bay Sunrise and all those that made this project possible! Imagine the new hope these children feel for their future; and the many smiles back at them from a proud community! :-)) How inspiring to us all! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

At 9:45AM on 16 June 2009, Dr. Jane Millar wrote: What a pleasure and honor it was for our district's World Community Service Committee to be a part of making this project come to fruition. A special thanks goes to Klaus Heinert for having the vision determination and tenacity to make this dream come true.

At 9:41AM on 15 June 2009, Peter Wandoff, Rtn., Traverse Bay Sunrise, MIchigan wrote: Our club is so very proud of fellow Club Rotarian Klaus Heinert! Klaus' dedication and endless energy made this WCS project a reality and for the children of bitone a dream come true.

At 9:46AM on 15 June 2009, Janey Ball wrote: Those smiles! Beautiful. What a delight to see the enjoyment. And how clever, the photo-essay. Congratulations to all involved in making a Rotary difference.

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