One definition of reciprocity is "a mutual exchange of privileges." At DrumSkull Drums we are so thankful to be able to make a life out of doing what we love. Even better is knowing that every day our actions help better the lives of many others internationally. We take pride in knowing that our business alone has created many much needed jobs spanning six different countries in West Africa. We have been able to provide many individuals with work that is fair, honest and secure, which in turn creates financial stability to many families throughout the area. This reciprocal relationship has created many close friends over the years and our extended family in African has grown to be very large.

These days it is not uncommon for us to get a call from Africa with a special request of help. When obliging these requests we cannot help feeling good that our actions are directly impacting the quality of life felt by others.

If you ever visit Africa you"ll find that work is scarce and most everyone is seeking a greater opportunity to help support themselves and their family. Africans often envision this opportunity to be out of country and in other stronger economies. Aware to this fact, in 1998 DrumSkull Drums created our Work/Visa Incentive Program.

This program was designed to offer incentive and opportunity for those that work with us for an extended period of time. For all interested African residents that consistently work with DrumSkull Drums, we offer aid in acquiring a travel visa; the first step in acquiring a permanent work visa in the USA. Acquiring a visa in Africa is no easy task, however to date we have been extremely successful in helping those that have truly wanted to accomplish this goal. DrumSkull Drums has spent countless hours in US embassies throughout West Africa promoting equal travel opportunities for our African friends.

We've been there. Let's let them come here!

DrumSkull Drums strongly advocates the Mali Assistance Project. The efforts of Karen Marx and Abdoul Doumbia are a perfect example of communities working together for reasons beyond personal gain. For in depth information on this project, please visit www.maliassist.org.

Project Overview
The Mali Assistance Project was established to raise funds to assist the village called Foutaka Zambougou in Mali, West Africa. This is the home village of renowned drummer Abdoul Doumbia, who currently resides in Boulder, Colorado. Abdoul returned to Mali in the summer of 1999 with a group that included interior designer, Karen Marx. Upon examining the supply of food, it became apparent that the villagers would soon be facing potential starvation due to drought. Through the efforts of Karen, Abdoul, and Witness: The Human Rights Project, The Mali Assistance Project was formed.

The Mali Assistance Project was established with the goal of completing 4 main phases:

• Phase One: Successfully completed in October 1999 with Karen and Abdoul returning to deliver 33 tons of food to Foutaka Zambougou, just two days after the villages entire food supply was exhausted.
• Phase Two: Help the village with digging and constructing additional wells to increase the availability and quality of water.
• Phase Three: Build a small medical clinic, which will serve the 1500 to 2000 villagers in Foutaka Zambougou as well as the people in the surrounding twenty villages.
• Phase Four: The final phase of the project is to build a small school. Phase four will allow each child the opportunity to attend school, as currently no one in the village reads or writes.

Mali Assistance Project Update January 9, 2009 [PDF]

Donations

• Dear Friends of the Mali Assist Project [PDF]

All donations to this project are tax deductible. The Mali Assistance Project works under a 501(c)(3) non-profit umbrella in association with Witness: The Human Rights Project.

To make a contribution, please make checks or money orders payable to The Mali Assistance Project and mail to:

The Mali Assistance Project
c/o Karen Marx, Executive Director
950 Yellow Pine Avenue
Boulder, CO 80304
303-449-1774

For further information contact Karen at or Abdoul at karen@maliassist.org.

DrumSkull Drums has partnered with the Rhythm Reference Project to become the primary outlet for their download products. Working with Rhythm Reference is especially exciting for us because not only does it allow us to promote one of the most innovative advancements for studying this music, the sales of these products also have a strong impact in helping the people and area of Roume, Guinea.

10% of the proceeds from the sales of all Rhythm Reference Project products are going to support the building and operations of a school in Guinea. The school will be built on the island of Roume, just off the coast of Conakry. Rhythm Reference currently has a location chosen and intends to purchase the property in 2009/10. DrumSkull sales of Rhythm Reference downloads will greatly affect this outcome.

The goal of the school is to provide opportunities for master drummers to earn a good living without having to leave Guinea. At the same time, it is our intention to help the youth of Guinea study with these master teachers.

For more info on this project contact Scott Griffiths/Project Drum +1 (303) 800-6052.

Drumskull Drums supports the Mbongi Dance Theater Project.

For more information, please visit their site, http://www.mbongivillage.org/loukoua.html

Project Overview

To create "villages" within our communities, so that people can come together and celebrate their gifts, experiencing the joy of being connected to body, spirit, and each other.

This is accomplished by:

• Providing instruction in the dance, music, art and culture of peoples of Africa.
• Educating the general public, and thereby increasing the understanding and appreciation of the dance, music, arts and cultures of the African continent.
• Sponsoring, promoting, and producing performances, demonstrations, lectures, and media presentations which will aid in accomplishing the above stated objectives.

The Mbongi Dance Theater Project is recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.