Wednesday was a day full of movement and travel! In the morning, we drove to Loutembe Beach to visit an international art academy which is currently being constructed. The Nagenda International Academy of Art and Design is an initiative of Dr. Kizito Maria Kasule, a Ugandan artist, professor, and historian, to build the first ever international art and design academy in Africa, slated to open in March 2008.



Dr. Kasule spoke to the students about his vision for the academy and how he came to the idea. Giving the students a historical background and context to African art and to its current state today, he showed students the vast importance of such an academy and the role which arts play in development. Students were also interested to hear about the academy’s intention of designing an art therapy curriculum that can be used in communities throughout Uganda, a concept that is just yet being introduced in Africa.



We stayed at the site to have a picnic lunch, and then headed to the beach to play frisbee, soccer, rugby, and more!

After some time to relax and play at the beach, we drove to the Sharing Youth Center in Nsambya, Kampala to visit Breakdance Project Uganda and to participate in their evening class. There we learned about the organization and its initiatives to provide activities and an outlet for youth to come and learn to breakdance.



These special skills can be performed in various places and has also served as a way to earn money for many of the youth involved. We interacted and danced with many of the participants, who taught us in small groups a few basic breakdance moves. We all quickly learned how challenging these moves were, but our persistence made it possible for everyone to learn something!



We arrived back at the university after a long day to have dinner together and relax…we are looking forward to the upcoming days!