Our Mission

The mission of Bitone Children’s Center is to restore the hopes of disadvantaged Ugandan children who have been traumatized by the effects of living in a war-torn region. Our vision is that by providing basic food and shelter, quality education, and a nurturing environment, in addition to training in traditional Ugandan dance, music, and theater, these children’s lives will again become meaningful.
 
 
In the Press

“Bitone, which Sekalegga founded with his friend Hassan Kayemba in Uganda, provides food, shelter, education, and counseling for children who have endured hardship. Many of these children have been traumatized by the loss of their parents or homes due to disease, war, or economic hardship. The organization pays for the children to go to school and provides a warm, supportive community for them to return to every day. At the Bitone center, the children learn and perform both traditional and modern African music, developing self-reliance and coming to terms with their tragic pasts.”

“‘Usually, we use music to bring joy and happiness to the kids,’ Sekalegga explained. ‘Eventually we use it to help the children communicate what they would rather not say without music. You can’t just tell a kid, ‘I remember your dad was killed in a war.’ That’s too direct. But when you use music, you approach it in a therapeutic way that works.’” Read Full Article

-The Wesleyan Argus
 
 
“The home currently houses 25 children, focusing on helping them rebuild their lives and boost self-esteem through dance, music, drama, craftsmanship and leadership. Some of the children also participate in a troupe that performs traditional Ugandan music and dance. The overall goal is to not only help them grow up safe and with an education, but to launch them into young adulthood with direction and purpose.” Read Full Article

-Traverse City Record-Eagle
 
 
The Faces of Bitone