Zambia

Livingstone Performing Arts Foundation
Livingstone, Zambia

Bob and Marilyn Gregory, of Hawkestone, Ontario, Canada moved to Livingstone,
Zambia in January 2009 to undertake an unique self-sustaining NGO which
preserves and promotes Zambian culture through excellence in the arts.
Livingstone, is located only 10 km from one of the world's most scenic attractions -
Victoria Falls. Capitalizing on the tourist market, the Livingstone Performing Arts
Foundation (LiPAF) generates revenue from ticket sales which is then used to
employ people in the arts, sponsor orphan children in school, support several
school and children's football programs and assist needy families.

Throughout 2009, LiPAF performed their first original music theatre play entitled
"African Shoes" which involved sixteen full-time actors and four full-time
musicians, all hired in Livingstone. Although LiPAF managed to secure a contract
to perform at the largest resort in Livingstone, the world economic crisis seriously
affected the tourist industry and LiPAF struggled to survive. However, in August,
they introduced their second show which celebrates the diverse culture of Zambia
through dance, song, music and ceremonies. "Dancing Around Zambia" is currently
being performed three nights each week and 2010 has seen an increased
awareness of the quality of these shows.

In June 2010, the LiPAF cast will be performing at three international folkdance
festivals in the Czech Republic. It is a real honour to have been invited and the
experience of a lifetime for the LiPAF performers.

Steadily progressing towards their dream of leaving a lasting legacy in performing
arts, LiPAF has recently secured its own venue. The 'Arts Café' will be opening in
June 2010 as a place where art and culture are celebrated for the enjoyment of
tourists and visitors alike. Anyone interested in helping to finance this venture are
urged to donate to the "LiPAF Theatre Project".

School Sponsorship Project::
LiPAF has undertaken several projects to support the education of young people in
Zambia. In 2009, LiPAF installed a bore hole, opened up two libraries and a computer
lab, and donated school supplies and football uniforms to several schools in
Livingstone.
The School Scholarship Project is an ongoing program whereby families in Canada are
matched with vulnerable children in Zambia. Sponsorship includes payment of the
annual school fees, uniform costs, and supplies. Coordinated through LiPAF, there are
currently 27 students receiving an education who would otherwise not be able to attend
school. Anyone interested in assisting a student can contact LiPAF for details.

Theatre Project:
LiPAF has recently leased a former restaurant building to create an "Arts Café" in
Livingstone. Donations to this project will help them with renovations, set materials,
costumes, and the purchase of additional sound and lighting equipment.

You can read more about the Gregorys and the LiPAF project by visiting their
website. (Click icon below)