Dance Classes at the Towers in Fitzroy Atherton Gardens Housing Estate

After funding cuts in 2018 - 2019 Ayel Akot and Suzie Mzuri Watts worked as volunteers in Mzuri Dance arts programs at Atherton Gardens Fitzroy to ensure consistency for the young people of Atherton Gardens. Classes were not funded and it has been hard to keep momentum going. Fortunately we have had the support of African Communities Foundation Australia to partner with Mzuri Dance and continue the homework club life skills program throughout this time. Covid and the hardships of living in the towers in lockdown has been very challenging and mental health is at the forefront of all our minds. But there is still hope! There is a great community spirit and demand for the classes after Suzie and Ayel have been part of the community for more than 15 years noone is prepared to give up!..

The young people are asking if we can return to formal dance classes and we are listening to them and taking action. We are seeking funding to run the dance program for the young people of Atherton Gardens in 2021 culminating in a performance at The Abbotsford Convent and the African Music Cultural Festival. The money from donations will help with paying Ayel and Suzie as teachers, it will help pay for the youth dance tutors who will have mentorship in a Mzuri Dance leadership program. It will help cover the cost of costumes, the hire of the Convent venue. We are also awaiting confirmation of a Yarra grant and an ACF grant so fingers crossed! Any donation will help us - $2, $5 / $10 would make such a huge difference! Thank you!