Campaign to support Children and Youth in Northern Uganda March 25, 2006

The Global Youth Partnership for Africa (GYPA) will host a kickoff event for its Bending the Spears Campaign on March 25, 2006 at 9pm, the Staccato Bar at 2006 18th Street, NW. This event is a fundraiser for GYPA?s Gomo Tong Project (literally defined in Acholi as Bending the Spears) , which seeks to help support the reintegration of former child soldiers in Northern Uganda into their families and communities using sports, arts, music, and vocational training to recreate a sense of community and purpose in their lives. The cost is $10 at the door.

?This campaign, spearheaded by Jaime Alvis, and supported by many of the Global Kimeeza, US/Uganda Youth Summit alum, is a definitive example of taking education and moving to action,? said Jeremy Goldberg, Founder/Director of Global Youth Partnership for Africa ?This event is not one night, one show only ? we (GYPA) are unwavering in our efforts to promote peace and support for the people of Northern Uganda. We plan to take this campaign to campuses, cities and communities across the United States.?

The event at Staccato Bar will feature live music from several local DC bands, Justin Trawick Group, Roll Wit It All Stars, and more! It is a chance for community members to learn more about The Gomo Tong Project, join the campaign and to raise support and funds for the people of Northern Uganda, which will be inaugurated in Uganda in the summer of 2006.

Gomo tong is a traditional reconciliation process within Acholi culture; the bending the spear and turning it into a garden hoe, to signify the end of violence and return to working in the garden together, in the same community, side by side.

Global Youth Partnership for Africa, is a non-profit organization that strives to cultivate youth as global citizens and partners in development and advocacy for Africa. GYPA seeks to develop a deeper appreciation, understanding, and respect between young American and African leaders, who are tomorrow's global decision-makers.

For more information, visit
www.gypafrica.org.