Meeting Needs, the event industry foundation, is funding school fees, meals and basic healthcare for 23 vulnerable children in the MATIC Brass Youth Band hostel in Namunyumya, Uganda.
Meeting Needs is partnering with Red Earth Village Schools which delivers education, wellbeing and opportunities for children in rural Uganda through practical, community-led solutions such as the MATIC Brass Youth Band, which uses music to inspire discipline, teamwork, and confidence among underprivileged children. Their objectives are to strengthen teaching and learning in literacy, science and life skills through effective training and resources while improving school infrastructure, including classrooms, toilets, kitchens and water facilities.
The grant of £4964 will help support the welfare, education and daily care of The MATIC Brass Band, which provides a safe and creative environment for children – both Christian and Muslim – from poor or orphaned backgrounds with a love of music. Through music training and education, MATIC helps children develop confidence, discipline, and responsibility while ensuring they stay in school. The band earns a modest income through community performances, but much of this is spent on essential needs for the 23 hostel children.
This will enable the band to direct its performance income toward long-term sustainability goals, particularly saving for the purchase of a much-needed second hand minibus for transport of musicians and instruments to and from performances.
To find out how you can work with Meeting Needs, contact Margaret Mann at mmann@meetingneeds.org.uk
