In 2016 Community Music Leaders trained by Musicians without Borders will work with 1000s of vulnerable HIV+ and refugee children. They use music to bring an experience of community, safety, creativity and joy to children who too often face isolation, danger, stagnation and sadness. The leaders are young people themselves from communities affected by conflict or HIV. Your donation will fund their on-going training to further develop skills and enhance their vital work with at-risk children.
The legacy of conflict and genocide lives on in Rwanda. Continuing regional unrest means close to 150,000 people from DRC and Burundi are refugees in camps across Rwanda. The same number of people are estimated to be living with HIV in Rwanda, many as a direct legacy of sexual violence during the 100-day genocide of 1994. Young people living with HIV or as refugees face isolation, stigma, and loss of hope. Many lack good caregivers, and live every day at risk.
This project will employ Rwandan musicians to continue developing the skills of 30 Community Music Leaders to meet the needs of young people living with HIV or as refugees. Each week, 3 musicians will be employed to teach guitar, piano, bass, vocal skills and song-writing. We will rent space at Kigali Music School, in order to support their wonderful work. This on-going training will enhance the leaders' work in their own HIV-care organizations and in running outreach events in refugee camps.
We will develop a well-trained and professional team of MwB Community Music Leaders in Rwanda who will give support through advocacy, music and nonviolence, to 1000s of vulnerable children living with the harsh effects of HIV and of conflict. Enhanced musical skills will enable them to use music in increasingly creative ways to support children's needs. Through song-writing their message of hope can reach many 1000s more. Working with Kigali Music School we support local music education.
