Colours of Africa : Beyond Horizons

“Youth empowerment is an attitudinal, structural, and cultural process whereby young people gain the ability, authority, and agency to make decisions and implement change in their own lives and the lives of other people.”

On the 10th of January 2015 in the banquet hall of the Royal Lake Club Kuala Lumpur, the “Colours of Africa: Beyond Horizons” Fundraising Dinner was held with the objective of raising funds for GOLD Peer Education Development Agency (GOLD). After months of tireless planning and preparation by the Rotaract and Leo Club, the dinner was held with great success. Students, staff and Guests of Honour graced the event in support of the efforts and visions to impact the lives of the young people in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

The night of dreams, the convergence of shades.

At 7.15pm, the dinner officially started as the Masters of Ceremony, Dharshan and Riya, made their entrance from the back towards the stage. They introduced the Guests of Honour, the Sponsors and welcomed everyone with pomp. The night was filled with wonderful performances from the talented TCSH community, from a harmonious Disney medley to solos, duets, Mr. Kent’s band performance and an Africanized performance of “We Found Love”. Guests were treated to a delicious banquet-style dinner.

Pomp...and circumstance.

Interwoven harmony of vocals and lots of skipping.

Many colors of Africa including can-- never mind.

In her opening speech, Ms. Lauren (TCSH principal) spoke of empowerment, trust and allowing youths to develop the abilities to make their projects a success. She commended the work of GOLD in transforming high-risk youth into peer educators that can influence change in their communities, as well as the project managers of the dinner, who successfully initiated the dinner. Be it in the banquet hall of the Royal Lake Club Kuala Lumpur or in the classrooms and communities of Southern Africa, youth leaders gave truth to the belief that “the message giver is the strongest message”. 

Message : "HAAAHAAAAA!"

Not forgetting the main objective of the night, Rotaract Club President and Organizing Chairperson, Joshua Low, recalled his experience in Africa and introduced the work of GOLD Peer Education among the youths in Southern Africa in his speech. With slides and videos, he passionately explained the vision and methodologies of the GOLD Peer Education Programme and how it has brought change to the African youths. A recorded message by Susannah Farr, the CEO of GOLD was played to top the night off. An incredible RM21000 was raised for GOLD during the dinner!

The GOLDen man.

The night, as Ms. Lauren declared, was indeed a message of empowerment and trust. In our efforts to empower others, we realize that we empower ourselves in the process. Congratulations to both the Rotaract and Leo Club for hosting a wonderful dinner!

Call animal control, there's probably a shortage in the zoo.

Written by Lee Zi Sheng
Editorial Board Writing Department