Ready to Give Back?

Posted by clara / Monday, June 27th, 2011

Monday, June 27, 2011

In the summer of 2010, a friend of mine had the good fortune to go to South Africa for the World Cup. He had a great time, although he spent most of it drinking beer. When I asked him what influenced his decision, I expected his answer to be something along the lines of “I miss college.” Alternatively, it was because the cost of beer was cheaper than the cost of water, a sad truth for the majority of the third-world continent.

We are fortunate to have access to free, clean water. The non-profit organization Freedom in Creation (FIC) aims to provide more than just water to Africa. It empowers war-affected or at-risk communities through increased access to the therapeutic qualities of art, international education, and fresh drinking water. It is also right in your backyard – they’re headquartered in Vienna.

On Thursday, June 30, FIC and Jammin Java are hosting a charity event to connect local youth with the war-affected youth in Uganda. They’ve got a hefty list of goals. “Africa’s largest war” has lasted 23 years, decimating many villages and amounted to the recruitment of over 65,000  into soldier-hood, sex slavery, and participation in crimes against humanity. Millions are left psychologically damaged, and physically deprived of clean drinking water. FIC hopes that their relief efforts can make a difference for these war-torn communities.

“We are hoping to raise over 5,000 dollars,” founder Andrew Briggs says, “that will enable us to rehabilitate a broken well which can serve over 1,000 with clean drinking water and to assist with the beginnings of an art center on our 5 acre farm/center for sustainability in Uganda.”

Youth will be able to participate in a collaborative art project with former child soldiers as a gesture of solidarity.  In addition, the event will feature the exhibition, “The Story of Freedom,” the artwork of child artists, child soldiers no more, an art auction by supporting artists and opportunities to purchase fair trade jewelry and products from Uganda.

“Jammin Java has been a great support as a host,” Briggs says. “It will be an event that unifies the community while teaching about global responsibility and enabling people to contribute to war affected communities in Uganda with their respective gifts. It will be a great example of the power of community.”

To watch a video of FIC Board Member Alex Mejias working with the Haverford School for Boys in Uganda, visit www.freedomincreation.org/collaborative-pieces.

The doors open at 5:45 PM, the Kids Art Collaboration is from 6-6:50 PM, and the art viewing starts at 7:00 PM. On Thursday, head to Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave East, Vienna, for live music, live painting, and a silent art auction. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased online at www.jamminjava.com.

FIC is committed to and believes in the following:
1. To rehabilitate minds affected by the stagnation of refugee camp confinement with creative inspiration and empowerment.
2. To bridge the world through art in a spirit of solidarity.
3. Providing clean water dictates whether or not refugees can return to their homes for the first time in a generation.
4. Clean water dramatically reduces the incidence of disease, gender violence, and increases access to education.  Water-born disease is the leading killer in Africa.  Girls are tasked to collect water and in many cases must do so before they may attend school.
5. To enable aid dependent communities to arise with self-sustainability.

For more information and how you can get involved go to www.freedomincreation.com.

–Clara Ritger

Tags: Africa, Alex Mejias, Andrew Briggs, art, charity, Clara Ritger, Clean Water, Freedom, Freedom in Creation, Jammin' Java, Moody Monday, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA, Shakira, South Africa, The Culture Gurus, The Game Plan, The Story of Freedom, Uganda, Vienna, water, World Cup