Despite the efforts of our respective African governments in fighting Boko Haram, there is a young girl who is being forced to join a terrorist group every day or victim of terrorist violence. In fact, the role of women and young girls in violent extremism has grown in tandem with the spiraling threat of terrorism globally. These terrorist groups have shifted to including young girls ages 12 to 18 in their operations. Globally, there is a rise of female suicide bombers. Until this day, the fight against terrorism has been focusing solely on military, security and intelligence services overshadowing economic development, human and social capital investment, which are important tools to counter terrorism.

As important players in Cameroon development and stakeholders in a stable future, the Cameroonian Diaspora should invest in building a brighter and better future for our children. There is no sustainable development without peace.

The Michael G Nicholas Foundation understands the need for education of young children and especially young girls, as a way to efficiently fight against violence and terrorism. Being mindful of the consequences related to the lack of education of young children, we have positioned ourselves to actively address these fundamental and crucial issues at the root level with a confirmed backing of solidarity, commitment and imagination.

On September 25, 2016, at the prestigious Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, MCA, 220 E Chicago Avenue, from 6pm to 10 pm, the Michael G Nicholas Foundation will be joined by Chicago Jazz Legend Sir KahilEl’Zabar premiering his brand new IS (improvised soul) Project, featuring renowned poet/writer NtozakeShange, and MCA Artist Kerry James Marshall, musicians Fareed Haque, Corey Wilkes, DJ Rich Medina, Ensemble Traditionel du Cameroon and many more under the theme UP!UP! (Uplifting People in a Unified Purpose). UP! UP! is intended to be a world movement that seeks to save lives and uplift our African community.

Keeping in mind that this initiative is embedded in an atmosphere of hope, this fundraising event has the potential to serve as a catalyst to inspire and awaken the sleeping giant of greatness that is an inherent attribute of every man and woman. Sir KahilEl’Zabar believes that UP! UP!(Uplifting People in a Unified Purpose) “ is a call to humanity to say, that we as Americans and as artist, care about our world and the people in it, and that we are going to do something about it!”

Therefore, this is a call for the Cameroonian Diaspora living in the United States, to contribute to a worthy cause: Investing in young girls in the Far North region through education and entrepreneurship. Your support will contribute to confirm and strengthen the diaspora’s ability to positively influence the development and peace of our beloved continent

Recent terrorist attacks have shown that no one is safe in the world today. We live in turbulent times. Indeed, hardly a day passes without news of a crisis somewhere in the world. From the United States, to France, Belgium, to Syria, Nigeria Burundi, Cameroon with Boko Haram attacks, people have been caught up in conflicts, discrimination, violence, instability which are clear indication that human development has been regressing. It is imperative that a concerted

effort is made to shift to ensure that the attainment of basic human needs is being met. Needs that are met in such ways that guarantee the safety and survival of communities, advances human capabilities, and leverages the playing fields to ascertain equal opportunity for all. History attest to the fact that conditions of economic deprivation, lack of education, illiteracy, extreme poverty, rampant youth unemployment, political and economic marginalization and discrimination acts as potential portals for the active recruitment and radicalization of disadvantaged women and young girls by extremist groups.

The Michael G Foundation is Michael G. Nicholas Foundation is a 501(c)3 private foundation. It was created in 2001 in order to make grants to institutions such as churches, schools, and orphanages that provide for the education of children in third world countries. The primary function of the Michael G. Nicholas Foundation is to provide scholarship grants to enable children in third world countries to attend school. The majority of the grants have been to Kenya, but the Foundation is increasing the number of grants in other countries such as Cameroon. Please Join US for UP!UP!!!!