A Melton charity is providing a night of Congolese and Sudanese music, dance, and food to raise funds to support those affected by the ongoing conflicts in both countries.
Hosted by Weir Views-based charity Initiative for Peace and Development (IPD), the African Unity Fundraiser event is set to entertain attendees from 5–9pm on August 23 at the Kensington Town Hall.
IPD founder Amani Karumba said it will be a fun night, and attendees can expect plenty of performances, food, and dances – all while celebrating unity, culture, and community.
He said Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are facing plenty of conflict.
“Congo is a country that has been torn apart with war for the past three decades – we’ve had war since 1996, and it’s intensified … this year in January when the rebels took over key cities in the east of Congo, where it’s full of minerals,” Mr Karumba said.
He said IPD has been doing plenty of work on the ground in Congo, especially focussing on vulnerable people including women and youth.
The group runs centres that provide sewing skills to women affected by the conflict, along with computer and technology classes for youth.
It also provides youth engagement programs in Melbourne.
Mr Karumba said the group also plans to send a humanitarian aid container to Congo later this year and is open to donations from other organisations towards this – including clothing, shoes, stationary, computers, hospital beds, or medical equipment.
Tickets for the Saturday, August 23 event can be purchased online or at the door of the event.
Details: events.humanitix.com/africa-unite-fundraiser-fundraiser-for-sudan-and-congo
