“A Song for South Sudan,” will serve as a benefit concert for Africa Education and Leadership Initiative (Africa ELI), a registered international non-governmental organization based in Knoxville that focuses on bridging gender gaps in South Sudan through education. The mission of Africa ELI is to empower women in South Sudan to serve as national, local and family leaders; engage in business enterprise; improve health practices; and effectively counteract forces of conflict and oppression.
Participants include choirs from Pellissippi State Community College, directed by Bill Brewer; Chattanooga State Community College, directed by Darrin Hassevoort; Maryville College, directed by Stacey Wilner; Heritage High School, directed by Chris Clift; Baylor School of Chattanooga, directed by Vic Oakes; Karns High School, directed by Caryn Marlowe; Bearden High School, directed by Mary Sexton; the Highlander Chorale, directed by Jill Purvis; and Heritage Middle School, directed by Carol Ward.
“During the festival, a student representative from each choir will speak about the value of educational, economic and health opportunities we have so readily available in the United States – and our responsibility as citizens to work to counteract forces of conflict and oppression that exist in the world,” said Stacey Wilner, coordinator of choral music at MC.
During the event, Dr. Ariane Schratter, associate professor of psychology at Maryville College and an ex-officio board member of Africa ELI, will speak briefly to the audience, and the MC Concert Choir will perform during a brief PowerPoint presentation.
“The positive impact of Maryville College students and faculty on Africa ELI-sponsored students in The Republic of South Sudan (RSS) cannot be overstated,” said Anita Henderlight, executive director of Africa ELI. “Interns from MC have assisted with programming and teaching in South Sudan. Several MC students have donated time to produce marketing materials for us to distribute in communities. Various campus groups have raised awareness and contributed financial support in order for the young people in South Sudan to get to go to school.
The concert is free and open to the public. Donation envelopes will be available for attendees who would like to make donations to Africa ELI to support the organization’s efforts.