The Independence Celebration hosted by AZISWA was a very successful event with lots of new and not so new faces from the Zambian Community and our supporting communities in the Northwest. The event was a fantastic display of Zambian tradition and culture which was reflected in the food, music, dance, language and dress. An event such as this helps everyone to understand the culture of a nation and its people and is very important when it comes to the education of the next generation of Zambians that are growing up in the USA. The diversity of the attendees this year made the event very special and AZISWA would like to thank all of the Zambians who extended their hand to their culturally diverse friends and made them part of this event. Our raffle prizes were compliments of Act Theatre, Pacific Science Center and NW African Queen Pageant. AZISWA would like to thank the speaker Dr Zeke Orgi, Davies Chirwa for his DJ Services and the ladies and gentlemen who provided us with song and dance. Zambian singer Dandy Krazy who was in the area, was also a special surprise guest for the night and AZISWA thanks him for his lively performance. Facility decor and the exquisite cake was definitely an eye catcher this year, the credit for these go to Yvonne Bochart and Sheena Sichula . Last but not least, to the ladies and gentlemen of the community that put in selfless hours planning, purchasing and cooking the food and organizing the event a great big - Thank You !
                                           Dont forget to check out some of the photos from the night and video.

The first Mens Brunch was held at the Family Center Village at Angel Lake in Seatac, WA. The event was a great success and there is no doubt it will become an annual event. Men from the USA, Zambia, Tanzania and Malawi came together to discuss and collaborate ideas on Africa's capacity and potential and also on ways to support each other as men in the community. 

This was a great networking opportunity for all African men in the area. Mr Fred Muyumba, Mr Nelson Lubinda, Mr Fred Simposya and others delivered inspirational and motivational speeches that sent everyone home reenergized and with refreshed minds. A portion of the funds will be dedicated to the purchase of health and wellness items for children in Zambia.  AZISWA wishes to  thank all who were involved in putting on another great event and for the raffle items donated by Uhuru Restaurant, John and Angela Moyo, and Nelson and Clare Lubinda.  Check out the video produced by Davies Chirwa.

A very successful children's Clothing Drive conclued on June 12, 2011. Our members and friends donated a great variety of new and used children's clothing. These donations will be handed over to the Friends of Limulumga, who in cooperation with Construction for Change, a Seattle-based non-profit organization, spearheaded the Limulunga Community School Project in Western Province, Zambia.

In addition to the clothing, 144 pairs of footwear were also purchased from the proceeds of the Hats and Tea Fundraiser held on May 7, 2011. These items will be shipped to Zambia as soon as possible and will provide children with a sense of pride and confidence as they attend school and make their way to being the future leaders of our country. AZISWA thanks everyone who supported this event.

 

This event was a spectacular display of how Zambian Women host an event. Our Annual Hats and Tea Party Event serves to bring together communities that exist in the greater Seattle area, focusing on empowering women and encouraging our youth to focus on education. Our Theme this year was "Education at the Grassroot Level".  AZISWA recognizes the importance of instilling the importance of education in our children and funds raised at the Hats and Tea Party went towards purchasing footwear for the Limulunga Community School in Western Province, Zambia. For more photos of this stunning event visit our Photos page or visit us on Facebook.

Many thanks to the sponsors of this event: Fred Meyer, QFC, Costco and Tully's Coffee.