A music festival to raise money for a Nepalese school will be held at Shoalhaven Heads later this month.
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The AAMA Music Festival is the brainchild of Shoalhaven Heads resident Alicia Isles.
The fundraiser will be held at the Shoalhaven Heads Community Centre on Saturday, October 28, raising money for the Angels World International Academy.
As a 19-year-old after finishing school, Alicia joined World Youth International (WYI), going on a three-month WYI project in Nepal.
While there she was billeted with a large family, with four sisters in that family running a school in Kathmandu.
While it wasn’t part of her WYI program Alicia became involved and has now been a longtime supporter.
“The school is run by three incredible women,” she said.
“They take children regardless of race, caste or religion.
“They are extremely passionate about providing the best education they can to the children and of course giving them the opportunity to celebrate numerous festivals throughout the year.”
Angels World International Academy has 276 students from nursery through to grade 10 level.
“The school currently rents two pieces of land from two separate landlords,” Alicia said.
“After the devastation of the 2015 earthquakes many parents can no longer pay their child’s school fees which the school relies heavily on to pay its rent.
“Struggling financially, they are now running at a loss.
“I just saw this as a way to add support.
“There is a Tibetan proverb ‘A child without education, is like a bird without wings’ and that is just so true.”
The evening of live music and cultural celebrations will include three local bands, local Nepalese music, dancers and street food and some auctions.
Funky tunes throughout the evening will be provided by King Dog & The Catz, Benji and the Saltwater Sound System & Mac Tango.
“One hundred per cent of the proceeds will go directly to the school,” she said.
“We hope to raise enough funds to help pay their rent for the next couple of months easing their financial pressure.”
She said the event had received fantastic community support with a number of local businesses backing the festival or donating awesome auction items.
“Current WSL CT leader Sally Fitzgibbons has donated a signed surfboard, while there are great meal prizes and local dinner, bed and breakfast packages,” she said.
Many great items will be for grabs in silent and live auctions.
Tickets are only available online at South Coast Tickets from $25.
Doors open at 4:30, with music starting at 5pm, a silent auction/talk around 7pm, and more music until 11pm.
The event is BYO drinks but no eskies.