Latest Updates From Bokamoso
Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
A big Bokamoso shout out to The Washington Post for sharing the story of the young people visiting from the Bokamoso Youth Centre in Winterveldt, South Africa.
Read staff writer DeNeen L. Brown's great story, Sweet Song of Freedom, view the gallery of Juana Arias' great photos and send a short thank you to Ned Martel, the editor of the Style section, to let him know how much we appreciate stories that celebrate our communities and hope.
The story was picked up by the likes of Forbes.com and South Africa Focus.
GW President Knapp Becomes a YouTube Dancing Sensation
Every year students from the Bokamoso Youth Centre in Winterveldt, South Africa, spend a week at George Washington University attending classes and rehearsing for their final performance, which is at GW's Marvin Theatre....
Bokamoso students had an opportunity this year to get their groove on with the university's president, Steven Knapp, and other university officials. In a recent post, Campus Overload, the Washington Post's blog for college students, shared the original video as well as an edited version that joyful spoof's the visit.
Alumni Share What the Future Holds
Former Bokamoso scholarship student Kenneth Mdluli writes from Winterveldt that he has successfully completed his PC training and is now employed fulltime at AB-PDS (African Bank Payment Distribution Solutions) as Portfolio Consultant. But wait, there's more...
Kenneth and Bokamoso scholarship alumni Pearl Zondo plan to wed later this year.
In the meantime, they are keeping busy working with other Bokamoso alumni to start a production company. In addition, Kenneth is thrilled to be working with Leslie Jacobson and George Washington University students this summer on writing a script for a future Bokamoso production.
People Who Make a Difference
A big Bokamoso shout out for volunteers Charlotte White, Connie Sullivan and Sara Sennett for organizing this year's Dream Breakfast, as well for the dozens of volunteers who helped before, during and after the breakfast, and the some 150 supporters who attended.
"Shosholoza! The freedom of the people is a train that cannot be stopped!" rang throughout the hall at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church January 13, opening the Dream Breakfast. This annual event is free and raises support for scholarships for advanced educational and vocational training and helps support the ongoing programs of the Bokamoso Youth Centre in Winterveldt. “Shosholoza” was originally sung by Ndebele migrant mine workers travelling home. The word “Shosholoza” means go forward or make way for the next man. It’s a rousing song and, in performance, sounds like a steam train. Watch a video of Bokamoso's young people perform Shosholoza.
Performers from Bokamoso Youth Centre Arrive in Washington
The Bokamoso youth perform throughout the DC Metropolitan area to raise funds for, and awareness of, the Centre. Performances feature theatrical plays and vignettes based directly on their life experiences as well as traditional South African music and dance.
The 2011 trip will culminate in two performances: a free interactive performance open to the public and suitable for the whole family at St. Andrew's on January 30 and a fundraising performance at George Washington University on February 4. For more events and information, visit Bokamoso's performance calendar. | ||
The Centre's Staff, Solly (Solomon) Mahlangu, Mmule Tsoai and Jabu Godfrey Mfumba, accompanied the young performers: | ||
| (Sipho) Gift Khumalo Phumzile Mbafa Mpho Mitileni Mmaabiya Constance Mofuoa (Thusi) Lerato Mothamaha Elsa Nkuna |
Olga Nqoko Percy Shabangu Stephinah Shongwe Mandla Sibanda Sipho Mokoena | |