Charity
Abi in Uganda…supporting Brass for Africa
Abi’s diary inputs from her trip to Uganda to help set-up a repair workshop for the Brass for Africa charity:
Day one “with Brass for Africa at the M-Lisada orphanage in Kampala, Uganda training their technicians to use new tools and methods of brass repair. We went to the slum to see the foundations of the new teaching/safehouse facilities they’re setting up there, then back to the orphanage for band practise – What amazing people, what a day”
Day two “in Kampala, and some professional standard work now coming from the repairers at the Mlisada orphanage! As the only repairers in the country this could be huge for them. We visited some other orphanages in the area to ensure the teaching of music carries on for years to come and met some more amazing people. Finally I had the great honour of joining the Mlisada band during their practice, which was mostly played from memory, once again I have been blown away by what’s happening here”
Final day “with the repairers at the Mlisada workshop, and they successfully re-strung their first French Horn! I am so proud of what these guys have acheived over the last few days, the confidence and the skills they’ve gained will make a huge difference to them. We visited the choir who will be accompanying the orphanage band at a concert on Saturday, I’m sad to be leaving so soon as it’s all sounding so fantastic. I have made many new friends here and hope to support Brass for Africa and the Mlisada orphanage for years to come”
“So my time in Kampala with the repairers of Mlisada has come to an end. It’s been an incredible few days and I’ve been inspired by the natural ability and drive of these people. Music saves lives – the kids I’ve met are living proof and I’ve been moved by their stories. We have it so easy here, but they are lifted when they play and truly love and appreciate what they are doing. I don’t think I’ll ever see our workshop in the same way, thank you Brass for Africa for this experience, may you continue to succeed, excel and change lives for the better”
Dawkes would like to thank Brass for Africa for the opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise with such an enthusiastic group. Any customers wishing to donate time, money or instruments to Brass for Africa can visit their website or follow and get involved on their Facebook page. Also, keep up to date with the Dawkes Music Facebook page to see more news, videos and useful tips etc.
Abi in Uganda…supporting Brass for Africa
Brass for Africa
Dawkes Music are proud to support Brass for Africa, an initiative which donates Instruments to disadvantaged children in the slums of Kampala or Liberia.
Brass for Africa was formed in 2009 when amateur musicians from the Bracknell and Wokingham Community Band raised funds to ship 30 brass instruments to the slums of Kampala. Since then Brass for Africa have shipped almost 100 donated instruments to Uganda and have initiated and continued to support music projects.
Brass for Africa