RSF residents to host fundraising reception to help African girls

•Singer Angelique Kidjo to make a presentation at the event

By Diane Y. Welch

RSF resident Mili Smythe. Photo/Diane Y. Welch

For many girls in third world Africa a bleak future with little or no education is a way of life. A vicious cycle where males leave the tribal group for education or work leaves young women alone in their community and powerless to educate themselves fully or to learn skills to earn their own living.
Now, thanks to the efforts of a nonprofit organization, the Batonga Foundation, funds are being raised to help end this cycle. And on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Fe residents Mili Smythe and Jim Jensen are opening their home to help spread the word about the great leaps forward that the foundation has already taken and to help raise more money to further the cause.
“I think that educating girls is so key to improving the entire community, not just for communities in Africa but here in our country as well,” explained Smythe in a recent interview.
To kick off the cocktail fundraiser, Smythe and Jensen are donating $1,000 to the foundation. Tickets for the evening event cost $75.
The founder of the foundation, world-acclaimed singer and UNICEF International Goodwill Ambassador Angelique Kidjo will be present and will give an impassioned talk about the organization and its work already accomplished. A West African singer/songwriter, Kidjo made up the word “batonga.” At a time when education for girls was not socially acceptable in her native country of Benin, she invented the word as a response to taunts when she was going to school. Later it became the title of her hit song in which the lyrics address a young African girl and can be roughly translated as, “you are poor but you dance like a princess, and you can do as you please regardless of what anyone tells you.” At the event there will be a special preview of Angelique's latest CD, “OYO”, which will be the first listen in the U.S.
“Angelique puts her heart and soul into every aspect of the foundation's work,” said the foundation's managing director Stephanie S. Cate. “She visits the programs often and it is clear that she will do whatever it takes to ensure that the next generation of African girls has the opportunity to create a better world for themselves and their children.”
In Africa the problems that surrounds girls’ education is widespread. “It's really tough because the girls are the last to be sent to school, and the first to leave due to family responsibility,” Smythe explained.
Every single donation to Batonga goes a long way to positively impact the lives of the girls. “We have very little overhead costs as our office space, supplies, and operational costs are donated. In many cases, a small donation can make the difference in a girl's life,” Cate explained. “For example, it can ensure that she gets all of the school supplies, mentoring and tutoring support that she needs to be successful and stay in school that year. Each year of secondary school she completes is critical and will increase her chances of living a healthy and productive life.”
The foundation supports both secondary school and higher education for African girls and advocates for a community awareness of the value of education for girls.
Smythe became aware of the foundation through her friend, Los Angeles-based Bonnie Pietila, who was in turn friends with Kidjo.
“Angelique had starred as a guest voice on the Simpsons show and as Bonnie was the casting director for that show, they became good friends,” Smythe said.
Pietila understood the importance of the work being done for the foundation and became an advocate. “She passed her passion for the project on to me, and than I became involved, too,” said Smythe.
A fundraiser in Los Angeles last year was a big success, and was followed by Pietila's visit to R. Roger Rowe Elementary School to talk to third and fourth graders about the Batonga project as a part of their global program curriculum. An offshoot of this program, the Ambassador's Club, raised $700 for Batonga due to their own efforts. This awareness in the school and a support from the parents inspired Smythe to want to raise more money this year for the foundation and to involve the community as much as possible.
The evening event will also welcome fans of Josh Grobin, an acclaimed popular San Diego-based singer/songwriter, who has toured extensively with Angelique.
“Anyone is welcome who wants to find out more about the Batonga Foundation. And to anybody in the community who wants to give, it could be $5, $500, or $5,000, it doesn't matter. Even small amounts go so far. What may seem like a little here can make a big impact in a girl's life in Africa. Everything counts. I would love it if people could come and learn more about the organization. It's an eye opener,” said Smythe.
Catering has been donated by Rancho Santa Fe's Pantry restaurant; live music will be provided by local musicians from the World Beat Center; floral arrangements for the evening have been donated by Magnolia Creek and Co.; and the event invitation design was donated by Kelly Howe.
RSVP is required. Email Stephanie Cate at info@batongafoundation.org to confirm your reservation, to make payment, and to receive the event location. Or call (202) 478-6550. The event is on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cocktail attire is required. To learn more about the foundation visit www.batongafoundation.org