The Children of Ethiopia Education Fund (COEEF) Mesgana Dancers from Ethiopia are back on tour for the third year in America, bringing new talent, a new show and an Ethiopian New Year celebration in September.

The COEEF Mesgana Dancers bring an inspiring performance through dance and song, showcasing traditional Ethiopian culture. Last year, the dance group performed for sold-out audiences across America. This yearʼs show is even better with the dancers wearing traditional Ethiopian attire specific to each region of Ethiopia. Through this, the COEEF Mesgana Dancers hope to bring awareness of their Ethiopian origins to America.

Seven new girls, ages 7-12, make up the COEEF Mesgana dance group and represent over 1,000 students in the Children of Ethiopia Education Fund program who are receiving a quality private education in Ethiopia thanks to generous sponsors from America. Without an education, girls in Ethiopia may be forced into early marriage or dangerous life styles and working conditions to provide basic needs for their families and themselves. With an education, these COEEF students become empowered to make a difference for themselves, their families and their country.

2008 COEEF Mesgana Dance Tour Schedule

September 7 Ethiopian New Yearʼs Festival @ Lake Merritt Park, Oakland, CA
September 13 @ Rose Wagner Theatre, Salt Lake City, UT
September 20 @ GW Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC
September 27 @ South Orange Performing Arts Center, South Orange, NJ

For tickets to the performances, go to www.coeef.org. All proceeds from the 2008 COEEF Mesgana Dance Tour support literacy, education, and a future for children in Ethiopia.

For more information about COEEF and the COEEF Mesgana Dancers, please contact Jennifer Mann at jennifermann01@yahoo.com or visit www.coeef.org.