Amakondera Institute for Culture and Education

In Spring, 2024, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 46 in Seattle donated generously to support the performers to upgrade their instruments and costumes. Especially vital was to provide shoes for the dancers.  The new performance space is built of concrete paving blocks which are rough on bare feet.  Nicely matching shoes will also give the dancers a more professional look when they take the stage and will better support their swirling turns in front of excited fans.

New drums have been a fantastic addition to performance quality and have also been provided for Kinyana and Masoro Village so that they, too, can rehearse together. As their skills improve, the performers become more in touch with their traditions and are better able to display their unique style and interpretations of their ancestral beats.

The Amakondera Institute for Culture and Education  is a project of hope and friendship.  All three communities, Cyaruzinge, Masoro and Kinyana, are making traditional instruments and sewing new dance outfits.  The drum makers in Cyaruzinge recently made drums for Kinyana Village.  This way, the musicians can practice on their own and be ready to come together and perform at social events.

The event in June was a performance at a wedding for a Rwandan couple.  The groom was driving by the village one day and heard the performers and asked them to perform at his wedding. The performers were delighted to attend!  Three events are scheduled for the month of July.  One will be at the Belgian Embassy and will feature the flute players and the singers. The dancers got new costumes to be ready for that show!  

This success is a wonderful acknowledgement that the musicians are attracting attention and even being paid for their talented performances, which helps their families. Also, it as a wonderful example for the children of how everyone benefits from the performing arts revival because it brings hope and happiness to all.