Jambo!


Our final two weeks were filled with so much gratitude, smiles and tears as we prepared to hand over to our newly trained staff who took on the challenge of leading their first full session with enthusiasm and courage. Various new and creative activities were introduced and even more songs for Sarah and I to learn in Swahili (which gave the children lots of giggles). By the start of week six, all teachers had led their first session with their groups and Sarah got to sit on the sidelines and let the magic happen. We were so impressed by how well prepared each teacher was and how they introduced their own creative activities to the group.

Sarah was hard at work putting together the staff booklet, and our trusty translator David was busy scribbling away in the office. The printer was also kept busy as we prepared for the final steps of giving certificates and making sure the staff had the resources needed for going forward with the sessions. Despite the week being filled with lots of writing, preparations and trips back and forth to the printer, we managed to de-stress a bit with a girls vs boys basketball game along with some of the teachers (a well-deserved win for the girls!) This of course had absolutely nothing to do with our height advantage… We ended week 5 with a sweet victory and renewed energy for the final week of this amazing journey we have been on.

Week 6 came with its own challenges; illnesses, faulty printers and a protest which cut our week short, nevertheless we marched on. After returning back to the school after a sick-day, we were delighted to be told that one of our partners, Pamela, had run the Music as Therapy session in our absence and although we were feeling very sad to leave, we were so encouraged to see that the partners were confidently able to continue the sessions without us.

The final day was a true celebration of the journey we had all been on together. We wrapped up the project by handing out well deserved certificates to our wonderful partners and sang, played music games and laughed together over a cup of coffee and cake. It was a lovely chance for everyone to share their experience of the training and their hopes for going forward. Once eyes had been patted dry, we finished the day with a farewell in the playground with all the children of the school, some final goodbye songs, and a huge group hug!

Thank you to our partners in Bombolulu School of Promise, your openness and enthusiasm has been incredible. Meeting such kind, welcoming people and really feeling a part of the team has made it all the more difficult to leave, but Katy and I are excited and looking forward to hearing how the music develops.


Kwaheri kwa sasa,
Katy and Sarah

This project is supported by our Instruments of Change appeal, which helps us provide the musical instruments needed to make projects like this possible. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Bombolulu School of Promise staff will have access to a new set of quality instruments to use during and after the training. These tools play a vital role in helping staff use music in practical, meaningful ways — turning new ideas into everyday opportunities for exploration, creativity and connection.