A whole year has flown by since we delivered the six-week introductory training programme, and we were incredibly excited to return to Bombolulu School of Promise. We were welcomed back with plenty of hugs and smiles, enjoyed a long-awaited catch-up with the staff, and met a new member of the team after one teacher had moved on to a new job opportunity.

Eager to see the teachers in action, we began by observing sessions across the different grades. We were delighted to learn that the sessions had continued weekly throughout the year and that all the teachers involved in the initial training programme were still delivering them according to a timetable. It was amazing to see how the staff had truly made the sessions their own, embracing the child-centred approach through encouragement, a wide range of musical activities, and plenty of singing. The teachers delivered the sessions with confidence, and we especially loved how they incorporated movement and dance into the music activities.

On our first day, we held a team meeting to give time for the staff feedback about the sessions. This included talking about the difference they had seen in the children such as increased confidence and participation with class and any challenges or thoughts that the teachers were having about the sessions. Together, we explored some fresh ideas that could be introduced into future sessions, while the teachers shared their experiences and successes from the year. We played and sang together, and enjoyed a taste of England/(Scotland!) with some shortbread that we had brought.

We also discovered that the newest member of staff had been shadowing several sessions and was eager to learn more so she could eventually lead her own. We introduced her to the booklet Sarah had created during last year’s programme, and she observed a session led by Sarah to gather ideas and inspiration for activities she could use in the future and talk through some of the concepts of the Music as Therapy sessions.

On Wednesday, we headed into Mombasa town following a request for more large Kenyan drums. We visited a wonderful woodworker’s shop filled with beautiful trinkets, statues, jewellery, and instruments; we easily could have spent hours there. After carefully testing and selecting the instruments, we purchased several additional drums and transported them back to the school by tuk tuk. The children were thrilled to see even more of their favourite instruments arrive!

Our last day arrived far too quickly. We spent the day observing the remaining sessions and capturing the story of Head Teacher Miriam. It was inspiring to hear how the programme had benefited the children and brought such a positive impact to the school community. We also spoke about the hopes and dreams for the future of music at Bombolulu.

At the end of the day, we gathered for one final team meeting, where we shared more sweet treats and played music together. We experimented with scatting and using our voices in weird and wonderful ways during an improvisation which the teachers expressed was a great idea for sessions going forwards. After reflecting on a wonderful week, we said our heartfelt goodbyes. 

Hearts full of joy and memories, we prepared for a lengthy flight home and said goodbye to the tropical paradise of Mombasa!

Kwaheri kwa sasa,

Katy and Sarah