FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 04/03/2008

BC Student-Fundraiser To Help Build Library In

Poor Zambian Village

BRIDGEWATER, Va. — A night of music, singing, dancing and auctioneering at Bridgewater College next week will help fund efforts to build a library half a world away.

On Saturday, April 12, the Bridgewater College Student Senate will host "Gifts for Africa" at 6 p.m. in Cole Hall. The event, which is open to the public, will raise money to help complete the construction of a Zambian Knowledge Bank (ZANOBA) library in the village of Nkhanga, in the Lundazi district of the country.

The project to build the library is spearheaded by Mwizenge S. Tembo, a native of Nkhanga, Zambia and associate professor of sociology at Bridgewater College.

"Gifts for Africa" will feature a variety of musical and other acts, including the Paul Jones Band, a group of Bridgewater College faculty singers, the BC Dance Team and a BC Idol contest.

Among the items offered at a raffle and silent auction will be prints by P. Buckley Moss and Ken Schuler, passes to amusements at Massanutten Resort, memberships to Gold's Gym and Curves, certificates for meals at area restaurants, framed artwork and vouchers for merchandise and rental items.

Admission is $2 for students and $5 for adults. All proceeds will be donated to the ZANOBA project.

ZANOBA, a non-profit, charitable organization, was founded in 1995 by Tembo and Wyndioto Chisela. Its mission is to encourage all Zambians to document, preserve, and enjoy traditional and modern Zambian culture. 

For further information about "Gifts for Africa," contact Stephanie David, director of communications of the BC Student Senate, at 571-232-0026, or via e-mail at smd003@bridgewater.edu.

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