The Art of Music Foundation

THE CHALLENGE

The Ghetto Classics programme, delivered by The Art of Music Foundation, supports nearly 900 children and young adults from informal settlements in Nairobi, including Korogocho, Mukuru kwa Reuben, and Mikindani. Through structured music tuition, ensemble rehearsals, and performance opportunities, the programme enables young people from some of the city's most underserved communities to develop artistic talent, confidence, discipline, and pathways towards education and employment.

Despite its impact, the programme currently faces a significant shortage of instruments, with approximately eight students sharing a single instrument. Many existing instruments are also unusable due to wear and lack of maintenance, limiting students' opportunities to participate fully in lessons, rehearsals, and performances. 

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The project aims to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the Ghetto Classics programme through three complementary actions: purchasing new instruments, restoring existing ones, and building local capacity for instrument maintenance.

New instruments will be purchased to address the most urgent shortages across the programme's learning centres, while a professional repair specialist will restore damaged instruments that are currently out of use. This will immediately increase the number of students able to participate in regular music lessons and practice sessions.

The project will also provide practical masterclasses for selected students and staff on instrument care and basic repairs. By developing in-house maintenance skills, the programme will progressively reduce its reliance on external repair services while creating new opportunities for young people to develop valuable technical skills and explore future employment in instrument maintenance within their communities.