Uganda Society for Disabled Children (USDC) is a local NGO involved in the medical, educational and social rehabilitation of children with disabilities (CWDs) in Uganda. USDC believes in the uniqueness of each child with a people-centered approach to development. Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting Education for children living with disabilities in the following schools:

• Kiryadongo Primary School- Masindi
• Arapai Primary School- Soroti
• Ngetta Primary School- Lira
• Eruba Primary School- Arua
• Shimoni Demonstration school- Kampala

Schools are supported to be inclusive of as many disabled children and those with other special learning needs as they can. This is done by developing resource rooms where the school can house specialist equipment and provide one-2-one tuition, by the provision of learning aids, the training of teachers and the establishment of inclusive clubs where children play and learn together. They also work with Parents through support groups to help them understand the importance of education for their children whatever their challenges.

Our launch event took place at the Serena Hotel on 10th August 2010 and profiled, Somi. Somi, who sings in English and three other East African languages, was the perfect partner for our launch event. Born in Illinois to immigrants from Rwanda and Uganda, the African and Jazz legacies are always crucial to her sound. Often compared to the likes of Miriam Makeba, Sarah Vaughn, Cassandra Wilson, and Cesaria Evora, her new album also features the legendary trumpeter Hugh Masekela, a longtime Somi fan and mentor who has also agreed to become a patron of The Sisi Project. Somi, born Laura Kabasomi Kakoma, is a songwriter of Ugandan and Rwandan descent. She began performing with jazz musicians around New York City. She spent a year working with AIDS orphans in Nairobi, Kenya, Dar Es Salaam and Tanzania and she retains strong emotional and cultural ties to her parents’ home in Rwanda and Uganda with her third album “If the Rains Come First”.

Somi’s original sound has garnered her international attention from both music and jazz audiences and in 2009 her album “If The Rains Come First” debuted at #2 on Billboard Magazine’s World Music Chart. The event raised nearly 30 million shillings towards much needed Inclusion Projects in Uganda to be implemented by the Uganda Society for Disabled Children. Funds raised will support schools in the Masindi, Bulissa, Soroti and Lira Districts to include disabled children. 75% of all disabled children and those with special needs still do not go to school in Uganda. USD 100 could ensure that another child gains access to education. This will support the school to provide the specific facilities and support needed so that the children can fully participate and receive an education just like any other child.

Find out more about Somi at www.somimusic.com. Future events will take place across the region working with African musicians to champion inclusion and make a real difference in the lives of some of Africa’s most marginalized children.

For more info on USDC visit their website at www.usdc.or.ug