Last week in New York City, international model and founder of the Malaika organization, Noella Coursaris Musunka hosted Malaik10, a fundraising cocktail party celebrating 10 years of empowering Congolese girls and their communities through education and health initiatives.
Credit/Copyright: Cindy Ord
The event, emceed by Tai Beauchamp honored Barry Segal and Tina Buchan and featured music and performances by Eve, Fally Ipupa, Batoto Yetu & DJ Martin 2 Smoove. The evening also included a fashion show featuring designs from EKI Orleans and Sarayaa and speeches by Editor-in-Chief of ELLE, Robbie Myers and Khaliah Ali who talked about her father, Muhammad Ali's love for the Congo.
Other VIP guests in attendance included Herieth Paul, Merv Lukeba, Elektra Kilbey & Miranda Kilbey of Say Lou Lou, Eric West, Tashiana Washington and more…
Operating in the village of Kalebuka, in the Southeastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malaika was founded in 2007 by Noella Coursaris Musunka. The Malaika School is a free, accredited school that is providing a quality education to 252 girls in Kalebuka. The School aims to build the leadership of its girls so that they commit themselves to being change-agents in their community and have a long-term, lasting impact on the DRC. The holistic curriculum includes classes in English and French, math, science, health and civic education, as well as art, music and theater programs. Students receive two healthy meals a day and participate in sports activities twice a week. Malaika provides a fully comprehensive program for the girls which includes tuition, school supplies, and uniforms. Proceeds from the night will support the completion of the Malaika School and Student Health Center, being built in memory of Miriam, the 1st grade student who passed away due to the lack of comprehensive health care in the village.
