Project Focus Web Series: Bitone

Branco in U.S.

After satisfying all the necessary requirements during the intense nation-wide scholarship competition, Branco was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue his graduate studies at Wesleyan University in CT. Prior to joining his academic institution, Branco had to undergo a pre-academic training at the University of Washington in Seattle where he spent over two months. In the end, he won the best student award in the training among a few others and awarded a certificate of merit. At Wesleyan University, Branco is studying Music Composition and sound/recording technology skills which he hopes will be beneficial to Bitone Center upon his return after the completion of his studies. Despite his physical absence, Branco still renders full time services to the center; ensuring that all programs run smoothly. His counterpart Francis Katimbo who is the current interim administrator is such a devoted and passionate volunteer whose services have already established positive values in kids.

While in US, Branco hopes to spread more awareness about the goals and mission of Bitone Children’s Center. He is still considering more partnerships and collaborations opportunities with individuals and organizations that are interested in sharing the stories, struggles, successes and vision of Bitone Children. Branco has always strongly believed that music and dance can restore peace, international relationships and economic development. “Everyday, as I work with the Bitone children, I am amazed by the power and impact of music and dance in restoration of hope, development of talent and realization of leadership and life skills in the lives of these little children. The urge to excel and to be productive in the children has always left me in wonders and overwhelming excitement” said Branco.

Global Giving Campaign (Give Below)

Thank for your continued support and interest in Bitone success!  Beginning today August 18th, Bitone is participating in GlobalGiving’s Global Open challenge, a fundraising opportunity for nonprofit organizations working around the world.

Now through September 18, if Bitone Center can raise at least $4,000 from at least 50 donors, we will earn a permanent spot on www.GlobalGiving.com, the internationally recognized marketplace for philanthropy that connects individual donors to the causes they care most about.

Every donation helps, and no donation is too small. You can support Bitone for as little as $10 and make an impact. In addition to helping us earn a spot on GlobalGiving, the organizations that raise the most money will earn a bonus $1,000-$3,000. The organization that recruits the most donors will earn an extra $3,000.

On behalf of Bitone Center and Global Giving, I would like to initiate a call for support!!

Obtaining a permanent spot on Global Giving’s site, will allow Bitone to raise money for operational costs, equipment, costumes, instruments, all resources that must be obtained in order for the organization to become sustainable.  

Bitone Meets the President

Bitone graced the states house in Entebbe on Saturday May 30th, performing for Uganda's own, president Museveni, and Burundian president Pierre Nkunziza. Nkunziza was visiting the pearl for 3 days, and Bitone helped send him off in style.

The performance was short and sweet (maybe 3 minutes) but Museveni spent a considerable amount of time talking with the kids afterwords, asking them each their name, age, and place of birth.

Some of the Bitone youth reflect on the experience in their own words:

My name is Sseguya Steven. I thank God and praise Him for having given me this great chance. In my entire life I had no hope of visiting and stepping into the state house, but on 30th May, 2009 our group Bitone children's Troupe got a great spectacular show which we performed with verve and vitality at the statehouse. This is the same day we met his excellence the presedint of Uganda and we managed to take photos and also shake hands together with him, which filled me with happiness and excitment. I felt great enthusiasmm for having visitned the president and I will never forget this great day.

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I am Afrochian Joanita. On Saturday May 30th 2009 I was the happiest person in the all world becuase it was my first time to go to the state house and what I saw I had never seen it. First of all I shaked presidetns' hands. That made me happy because many people want that but they cannot get it. I thank God for that. It was good and interesting and I never knew we had a beautiful place like that in Uganda. So president I pray to God that he gives you more life forever and ever. For God and my country.

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My name is Nansumba Sylvia. On Saturday May 30th 2009 it was an intersting day in my life, reason being, it was my first day to take to handshake with the president of Uganda and go to the state house. I thank God for that. Rich people are there in Uganda but of all God has choosen me, and they had never gone there. It was my first time. Prasie is to be for Mighty Lord and I know that He will take me in other good places like that. Praise Lord.

Bitone Documentary

Bitone Children's Home/Troupe from Grant Buhr on Vimeo.

Bitone Youth

My name is Kayongo Roscoe. I am 16 years old. My mother is Hame and my father Sammy. They live in Luwero District where I grew up. When I was young I was not studying because my parents are very poor. They decided to take me to government school but I was not studying very well. When I reached Primary 4 I joined the school choir and was doing very well in all items. One day we had music competitions between 6 schools and we won, the judge appreciated very much and after the competition he came to me and asked me my age because I was small and he could not believe I could dance so well. His name was Hassan. When I was sitting home he came to speak to my parents as told them he wanted to look after me. I was really excited and my parents decided for me to go. When I reached where Hassan stays I found a man named Branco and some children who were disadvantaged but very talented. I joined the group and it was called Bitone Children’s Center. Here I learn many things like music, care, education, and discipline. Thank you Branco and Hassan.

My name is Elizabeth and I am 16 years old. Before I came to Bitone I was deep in the village staying with my mother. My father died when I was a baby of three. I grew up in a tough situation to the extent that I missed the paternal love of my dad and some many years without schooling. Soon a clan member of ours conquered our property and our situation became black where we could not see our future. Bitone made me forget my sour times and tears. I came to Bitone become I was an orphan with a talent for singing. Bitone has promoted my talents, and I will payback such privileges and I promise to be a good musician in the future, if not a trainer. As I go on I want to study human rights so that I deal with those who have bad behaviors, those especially who are mistreating the children because I am feeling sorry of my country. May god bless you.

My name is Sseguya Steven. I am a member of Bitone. I was living with my mother and she had no money for school fees, so I used to sit home counting birds. Then two gentlemen came to our village looking for talented children. Since I knew how to drum I was chosen and brought to Bitone. Now I am living a positive life and I get every basic need as a child. I want to thank the management of Bitone for giving me such great love as a child. Now I am doing well in class and interested in learning new skills in music, computer, English vocabularies, and I also have friend from every part of the world and like to perform with international musicians.

My name is Jane-Rose and I was born in Uganda, Luweero district in a family of 4 children. At the age of 1 year old I lost my dad to HIV/AIDS scourge and stayed with my mom deep in the village of Kiyanda in Luweero District. At that time, my mom was chased away from the house by my Aunts. I started staying in the kitchen where I also was haunted and sent away. Without hope my mom was forced to get married again to another husband who was also a peasant. We moved to another village known as Kisooba in the same district and rented a small house for survival. Due to no rent, we were forced to evacuate the house. With the help of some neighbors we were able to rent another house in Kiyana Village where they started subsistence farming. I was 4 years old and was therefore ready to start school. With the small earning they yielded from farming they sent me to school. By now my mom was struggling with her illnesses and I was brought to Bitone for educational as well art music dance and drama programs.

My name is Gloria. I was born in Uganda, Gulu district in a family of 8 children and I am the 4th born. My late dad Luke Ochopi was a local farmer. My late mom worked in Salon in the village. At the age of 5 years old, my family was attacked by the rebels of the “Lord’s Resistance Army” and Joseph Kony. Both my parents lost their lives. With the help and the my Aunt, us remaining kids moved to Luweero District in Kalule village. In 2005, I was rescued by Bitone for rehabilitation and educational programs as well as talent development.

My name is Godfrey. I was born in Mpigi district of Uganda in a family of 9 children. My dad was a government Soldier during the Idi Amin’s regime that fought many battles. My mom was a house-wife. When I was born my dad had retired from serving the army. Due to the negative consequences of the war he was greatly affected. In 1998 my mom passed away, but my dad was able to put me in school. Soon my dad lost his job and was suffering. I dropped out of school and started learning how to make art crafts like drums and designing wood made items. From the art crafts I could make I could sell a few items to buy essentials for my dad and brothers and sisters. In 2004 I was rescued by Bitone. My dad still lives at the age of 70.