Oasis Spa
66-55 Mill Street
Toronto, Canada.
January 30th, 2008.
Education is the most important tool you can give a child; those of us who are gathered here tonight have taken that step of faith to provide that tool through CMETrust which is advancing education in Kenya one child at a time. Allow me to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to Victoria Sheppard and her entire Board of Trustees at the Canada-Mathare Education Trust for organizing this fabulous fundraising event in this great city of Toronto, Canada. Last year, December of 2007, I had an opportunity to visit the schools in Mathare where most of the recipients of CMETrust fund graduated from and therefore saw first-hand where funds collected from fundraising initiatives such as this one tonight are channeled to. I also had an opportunity to give a motivational speech to these kids who needed much of our emotional support to allow them to succeed in life. From what I gathered at the workshop with regards to how the kids sponsored by CMETrust are performing at various schools in Kenya, some of the report cards indicated that they are doing very good.
As is always the case, I want to “Thank You” all for your dedication and trust in CMETrust as it carries out its activities in that part of the continent of Africa. As a Kenyan, I am so grateful for your generousity and please do not give up on these poor children from Mathare. With everyone’s help, I am hoping that CMETrust will grow to a point whereby it can expand it’s activities to other parts of Kenya.
Kenya is going through a trying moment at this particular time with violence claiming many precious lives every day since the disputed Presidential elections in December of last year and many children who are supposed to be in school this semester are staying at home but as a God fearing nation, we have faith that things will get better!
Lastly, I would like to now introduce to you Adam Solomon & Tikisa Band. If you don’t know who he is:
Adam “The Professor” Solomon was born in Kenya and began performing at an early age. He was the co-founder of Canada’s great pan-African band,the Afronubians.
After forming his own band Tikisa, he released the award-winning Safari and Rocket Express II: African Renaissance Blues. Collaborating with the musicians of African Guitar Summit, he won a 2005 Juno Award and performed at the Live 8 concert. African Guitar Summit’s second CD nominated for Best World Music Album 2006.
With Tikisa, he launched his latest CD, Mti wa Maisha (Tree of Life), at Lula Lounge in the spring of 2006.
Tikisa delivers a fresh, eminently listenable sound…an intoxicating blend of Afro-Rumba, Fiesta, and contemporary Kenyan rhythms that will lift your soul and make your feet move
Please let us put our hands together for the “Professor” of music Adam Solomon!
Thank you very much and enjoy the rest of the night.
*****************************************
0 comments:
Post a Comment