Aid to Africa

WOW has had links with the people of the Iteso region for a number of years, since a visit by one of our members as part of a Dorset Youth trip to a Performing Arts School in the area.

The King of Iteso (Papa Emorimor), and a number of other Ugandan dignitaries visited England in June 2005. A large celebration dinner was held in London, at which various people who have helped the region, including Janet and John Stockley, were recognised with the presentation of awards.  Martine Burt, who was the original WOW member involved, and who is now having a successful career in the Performing Arts, sang at the event.

WOW celebrate the Royal Visit to Weymouth and Portland

The King of Iteso and Ugandan dignitaries visited Weymouth and Portland on Saturday 25th June. The Royal party had lunch in the Ocean Room, visited Portland by coach and were then the guests of honour at a fund raising concert also attended by the Weymouth & Portland Mayoral party. Unfortunately due to visa problems the Royal Dancers and Drummers were unable to attend as planned. 
The concert featuring WOW members and the popular African singer Rachel Magoola supported by Joanne Elokett held in the Ocean Room at Weymouth Pavilion was a spectacular success.  Rachel’s music and dancing combined the rhythms of her native Africa with that of other cultures.

All profits from the concert will be going to Uganda and the Iteso Welfare Association project. A cheque for over £500 was also presented to the King resulting from the bucket collection at WOW's Fiddler on the Roof show held in late 2004.  At the concert leaflets were handed out by the charity, Iteso Welfare Association, to thank the people of Weymouth & Portland for their financial support in recent years. That funding has supported community development projects, has sponsored displaced children and assisted with funding of schools and hospitals.

To learn more about the work of IWA visit their website.  www.iteso-welfare-association.org.uk

 King Papa Emorimor of Iteso Uganda with members of WOW and others.  Weymouth Pavilion. 25 June 2005. Photo © John New

For more photographs of the Royal fund raising concert on 25 June 2005 see the Image gallery (Opens in new window)

Page last updated 20 Feb 2007