ANGOLA

In 2003, Batoto Yetu was introduced to the Angolan public by a performance at the Karl Marx theatre produced by Tchize Dos Santos. Twenty children from New York traveled to Angola for the performance. Delivering on a promise to have a continued presence in the country,  Batoto Yetu Angola is working to preserve the country's rich and vibrant cultural traditions--many of which were compromised by years of conflict and colonization--while investing in its children. Through traditional dance and music, Batoto Yetu continues to educate children in their cultural heritage, facilitate freedom of expressions and cultivate self-esteem. In 2007, Batoto Yetu presented Mulemba Do Ndongo for the BP Angola First Oil Celebration in Luanda, Angola, bringing children from our Lisbon program to train and perform with 54 children of Angola. Currently we are working closely with BP Angola, Sonangol and other local stakeholders to increase opportunities for the revitalization of traditional dance, music, history and culture.