The idea started when ResiliArt Angola and UNAP joined Houston Luanda Sister City Association in its effort to support Luanda's Cajueiro General Hospital (which serves the comunities of Cazenga, Viana, Cacuaco, Rangel and Sambizanga) by raising Funds for the international Freight of medical equipment donated by HLSC to Cajueiro Hospital, in Cazenga. Participating visual artists in the festival were motivated and supportive of this humanitarian cause. American Danielle Scott, Andrece Brady extended their residency to participate and Charles Washington travelled from Houston to Luanda just for this purpose. Renowned visual artist Albino da Conceição Jose donated an artwork to the social cause. All artists expressed their appreciation for Angolan culture and the opportunity to contribute to such cause. For more information click here

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The Houston-Luanda Sister City Association (HLSCA), under the patronage of the Consulate General of the Republic of Angola in Houston and with the sponsorship of Sonangol USA, Sonangol Marine Services, American Schools of Angola, ResilliArt Angola, the National Union of Plastic Artists of Angola, the President of Sister Cities of Houston, Medical Bridges, and HLSCA Members, held a ceremony on January 14, 2025, in Houston, Texas to formalize the shipment of a 40-foot container containing medical equipment and supplies valued at $250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand US Dollars) as a solidarity donation to the city of Luanda for their efforts in improving healthcare services for citizens in Luanda Province (Angola).

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The ceremony took place at the Medical Bridges Inc. facility in Houston and was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives from the Angolan Consulate in Houston, Sonangol Marine Services, ResilliArt Angola, the American School of Angola, the African Chamber of Commerce in Texas, leadership team members of HLSCA, staff and members of Medical Bridges Inc., as well as members of other community associations from both the Angolan and Houston communities.

 

As a welcoming, the invited entities enjoyed the hospitality of the hosts at Medical Bridges, a nonprofit organization that “strives to reduce gaps in healthcare by acquiring medical, dental, and surgical materials and equipment for redistribution to qualified organizations in developing countries.” During the visit, the guests were given a guided tour, during which they observed the work process carried out by volunteers. The areas covered included the reception of medical materials and equipment, sorting and classification, cataloging, conducting tests and quality control, as well as packaging, storage, and final shipping.

 

During the speeches, Mr. Walter Ulrich, Director of Medical Bridges, welcomed the guests and expressed his organization's satisfaction in supporting the cause of HLSCA for Angola. Then, Mrs. Fátima Benge, President of HLSCA, delivered a speech thanking the sponsors, partners, collaborators, and friends who contributed directly or indirectly to the success of the donation event. Next, the sponsors spoke, with Mr. João Almeida, Executive President of Sonangol Marine Services, and Mr. Marcos Agostinho, Executive Director of ResiliArt Angola and American Schools of Angola, emphasizing the importance of their social responsibility and commitment.

 

This activity is part of the HLSCA Action Plan, which came to fruition after two years of hard collective and supportive work. The final presentation of the container with medical equipment, ready for customs dispatch to Angola, includes, among other items: Infant Incubator, Pediatric Scale, Forceps, Respiratory Circuit (Ventilator), Dental X-Ray Machine, as well as disposable materials such as Masks, Healing Dressings, Absorbable Sutures, Surgical Gowns, etc.

 

The estimated arrival of the container and its contents in Luanda is expected within the next 45-50 days, and it is anticipated that upon arrival, the material will be received by officials from the Ilha do Cabo Medical Center, the Government of Angola, Sonangol, ResilliArt Angola, and the Union of Plastic Artists of Angola, who are expected to make the donated material immediately available for use by the citizens.

 

HLSCA extends special thanks to everyone involved and emphasizes that, with this new achievement, its responsibilities grow, and the association must continue its efforts to attract new members and appeal for the support of both Angolans and Houstonians.

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For more information about the event, click here.