Students from more than 60 countries around the world and the United States gathered on the National Mall to perform on the World stage for this year’s Fourth World Children’s Festival. The Festival sponsored by the International Child Art Foundation takes place every four years. The International Child Art Foundation’s aim is to empower the children and change the world. More than 15,000 attendees came to the National Mall for the three-day festival held from June 17-19 2011 according to Foundation promoters
to enjoy the performances, workshops and interactive activities. Olympians, professional artists, eminent educators and scientists encouraged the children’s creativity in a global setting.
The Delegation from Uganda had fundraised throughout the year to travel for the first time to the United States. Like some of the other groups, the Delegation needed additional help in locating their housing and travel arrangements once they arrived at the airport in the United States. The Prince George’s County Drug Policy Coalition, Inc. learned of their enormous need and offered to assist them. The group consisted of 17 children and eight adult chaperones in need of housing. Coalition President, Dr. Valencia Campbell, who was also a host committee member of the Festival reached out to Howard University for assistance. Dean Marc Lee, indicated that after completion of the appropriate summer housing paperwork Howard could house them all at the Harriet Tubman Quadrangle at a reduced rate. ICAF Coordinator Mike Sembiro was in constant contact with Dr. Campbell and coordinated all of the flight arrangements for the group.
This year the themes for the three-day educational event were:
- Environment and Health Day (Friday June 17)
- Creatvity and Imagination Day (Saturday, June 18)
- Peace and Leadership Day (Sunday June 19)
Dr. Campbell welcomed the Uganda Delegation to this country at the Dulles International airport on June 15, 2011. Supershuttles transported them to the historic Howard University site. Upon arriving at Howard, Dean Marc Lee greeted the Delegation and gave them University souvenirs. They all wanted photo ops with him and were so excited by his warm hospitality. The Headmistress, Sr. Immaculate Nabukalu of the Manilyango Junior Boys Schools, said, “Even though I am a bit anxious because the group was traveling out of Uganda for the first time, even the leaders and teachers, what makes me confident is the arrangements and involvement that you all have made for them. I greatly appreciate your help on this.”
Aside from their wonderful dance performances on the World Stage, the Prince George’s County Drug Policy Coalition, Inc. arranged for the group to meet their Ambassador, see some of the national sights including the White House and visit the malls in Prince George’s County and northern Virginia. “ Our children felt right at home after meeting their Ambassador, His Excellency Perezi Kamunanwire,” said Delegation member Vincent Baraza. Cheryle Mines, the Coalition’s Secretary and Fundraiser, said, I am thrilled that the Ambassador and his staff spent so much time with us and the children to welcome them to this country. It was a wonderful experience that I will remember for years to come.” Prior to the Delegation’s arrival, the Coalition hosted a community outreach reception at Prince George’s Community College, arranged for ICAF President Dr. Ashaq Ishaq and Coast Guard Leaders Captain Catherine Haines and Ms. Portia Davidson, Workforce Policy Advisor, to discuss the World Children’s Festival program and activities on a one half program on CBS 1580 Radio Station, The Big Talker. Other supporters included: ABC 7 and News Channel 8, INSEA, MHZ Networks, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Yoursphere.com, The L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, and the National Institute of Aerospace.
Dr. Campbell was among a select group of participants who received President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award at the Annual Banquet sponsored by the International Child Art Foundation.”I am deeply honored to have this incredible opportunity to serve our local and global community,” said Dr. Campbell.
The Prince George’s Drug Policy Coalition, Inc. promotes educational excellence among the County’s children through their Speaker’s Bureau and promotes policies that embrace the public health nature of drug abuse. Visit their website at www.pgcdpc.com for more information about the organization.
