On Saturday, October 24, 2009, walkers around the world took to the streets once again in support of youth in northern Uganda. But along with being a walker this year, we’ve asked you to be a builder… here’s why:
The Gulu Youth Cultural Centre
All of the funds raised through GuluWalk this year will go towards the building and programming of the Gulu Youth Cultural Centre, a structure that will bring the community together. Our goal is to raise $500,000 to build and program the centre.
Be a builder
If you signed up for GuluWalk 2009 and raised $250 or more, you officially became a ‘builder’. If we haven’t already, we will be sending you the exclusive ‘Builder T-Shirt’ right to your front door! (This is an exclusive t-shirt and not otherwise for sale.)
Also, the top individual fundraiser (before Oct. 22) and a randomly drawn ‘founding builder’ (raised $500 online) were selected and will be recipients of an all-exclusive tour of northern Uganda in 2010! Congrats to Harp Athwal of Toronto and Karen Flores of Winnipeg!
Click here for the 2009 leaderboard and fundraising totals!
Why the centre? Why northern Uganda?
Northern Uganda has been torn apart by years of conflict and displacement at the hands of the Lord Resistance Army. Infrastructure and opportunity for youth has all but disappeared. That’s why GuluWalk is asking you to be a walker and a builder in 2009.
We’re responding to a call from local leaders to provide a future for the children, and a beacon of hope for the community. We are raising money through GuluWalk 2009 to build the Youth Cultural Centre, a structure that will bring the entire community together. The facility will include a theatre, training/practice studios, dorms and will be a central hub of activity that will promote locally led approaches to arts, culture, justice and ultimately peace.
“This conflict has had a devastating effect on our people and our rich, vibrant and proud culture. It is through partners like GuluWalk that we aim to amplify our voices and, through financial support, provide for our communities in the area of health, education, training, and cultural revitalization.” – Paramount Chief Rwot S.O. Acana II
The Acholi of northern Uganda have a sophisticated and creative culture based on principles of communalism and unity. They are magnificent dancers, musicians and songwriters. These arts and cultural activities are considered central to maintaining social cohesion. However, overcrowded camps means there is little space or opportunity for youth to gather, practice, perform and ultimately lead.
GuluWalk has been granted a plot of land on the property of the Paramount Chief of the Acholi, Rwot Acana II to change all of that (pictured below). It is through this partnership that we are working to be a builder for northern Uganda in 2009.
Build community. Build hope. Build opportunity. Build peace. Build a future. Donate to GuluWalk Today.
