GLONEVA

Our local partner, Global Network Evangelistic Association (GLONEVA), has a small day centre in the heart of Namuwongo. At least 40% of the Namuwongo residents live on less than £1 a day (World Bank). Societal problems include sexual assault, teen pregnancies, open sewage, flooding, mob justice, drug addiction and disinterest in education. It is a difficult place to survive in, let alone thrive in, particularly if you’re a young person playing on the streets with no activities to engage you.

GLONEVA is an organisation that works with children, young people and vulnerable women to provide performance skills training and a livelihood. Its premise is that engaging in activities and learning a skill will keep them safe and increase their life-chances. At GLONEVA vulnerable and disadvantaged young people find sanctuary in dance classes and circus acrobatics, while Brass for Africa delivers Music & Life-Skills sessions to two brass bands of differing abilities. Both bands are at a performing level where they have the opportunity to be paid for their performances and some of the proceeds help to pay towards their school fees.

Through brass music education, life-skills training and performance opportunities we have witnessed incredible transformations amongst the beneficiaries at GLONEVA. We have seen life-skills such as resilience, leadership, concentration, problem solving, grit and perseverance all develop as a result of learning and playing music. This safe space and sense of community allows us to make an impact, not only on the individual, but also in addressing wider issues such as gender equality, disability inclusion, community empowerment and workforce readiness.