A GLOBAL CRISIS
For many young people worldwide, particularly those affected by gender inequality, displacement due to conflict or natural disasters, or living with disabilities, the most pressing challenges are rooted in systemic inequalities that drive exclusion, poverty and injustice.
1 in 3
girls in Sub-Saharan Africa are married before their 18th birthday.
(UN)
30%
of the world’s refugee population live in sub-Saharan Africa.
(UNHCR)
2x
children with disabilities experience double discrimination, facing barriers related to both their gender and disability.
(WHO)
6 in 10
female learners miss 2-3 days of school every month due to lack of safe menstrual hygiene management.
(Uganda Auditor General)
Brass for Africa invests in creating a more equal society, recognising that childhood and adolescence are critical periods for development. Our work focuses on breaking down barriers faced by girls and young women, ensuring meaningful participation for people living with disabilities, and providing opportunities for refugees, internally displaced people and island communities. This approach fosters resilience and empowers young people to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
SOCIAL IMPACT: YOUR RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Your investment in Brass for Africa’s Equality Fund lays the groundwork for a more equitable and resilient future generation.
Female participation at Brass for Africa increased from 37% in 2020 to 48% in 2025.
GOAL:
Participation raises the profile and status of girls and young women in the community hence reducing the chances of the girls being victims of violence and
harassment.
BRASS FOR AFRICA SEEKS TO:
Increase girls and young women’s engagement in leadership.
Increase girls and young womenin technical skilling programmes.
Reduce number of girls who are victims of harassment or violence.
IMPACT ACHIEVED:
Brass for Africa’s inclusive programs have led to a 34.6% increment in the overall autism awareness among communities reached by the project. Brass for Africa’s music programs actively include individuals with various disabilities and special conditions, such as Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Deafness, and Intellectual Disability.
OUR GOAL:
Brass for Africa aims to support people living with a disability to be meaningfully included in opportunities and decision-making. The starting point of this goal is to assess and increase awareness among the population of the presence of people with different abilities and what that means.
IMPACT ACHIEVED:
Brass for Africa’s work in the BidiBidi refugee settlement had a significant impact on the perceived opportunity for learning and creating a livelihood. Within a year, this opportunity rose by 17%, offering a crucial sense of hope for refugees where such chances were previously scarce. The graph shows an increase from a baseline of roughly 33% to an endline of about 50%.
OUR GOAL:
Brass for Africa’s goal is to invest in refugees through training, start ups and linkage to services. The broader goal is to support refugees, internally displaced people and island communities to have the same opportunities as everyone else.
united nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
INVESTING IN BRASS FOR AFRICA’S EQUALITY FUND creates multi-dimensional benefits that advance the U.N Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
SDG4:
quality education
Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, including girls, people with disabilities, and refugees.
SDG10:
REDUCED INEQUALITIES
Reducing inequality within and among countries, by focusing on the inclusion of people with disabilities and providing opportunities for refugees and displaced populations.
SDG5:
gender
equality
Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, addressing vulnerabilities that disproportionately affect women concerning HIV/AIDS and mental health.
SDG17:
PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS
Strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, recognizing that achieving equality requires collaboration among various stakeholders.
JOIN A COMMUNITY OF IMPACT-DRIVEN VISIONARIES
frequently asked questions
We are meticulous in selecting our local partners. Upon identifying a potential partner or receiving expressions of interest from them, we engage in personal meetings to assess compatibility for collaboration. We ensure that the local partner upholds our core values: inspiration, passion, integrity, and inclusivity and an alignment with our commitment to enhancing health, equality, and education.
Once mutual interest and alignment are confirmed, we explore the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the partner. An MOU, while not legally binding like a contract, serves as a formal agreement outlining the scope, goals, and expected contributions of each party. This document provides a solid framework for future agreements and demonstrates a sincere intent to work together, fostering trust and credibility in the partnership.
When you invest in Brass for Africa, you can expect a comprehensive and transparent assessment of our social impact. Our rigorous measurement approach focuses on key areas that illustrate the transformative outcomes of your investment:
- Individual Empowerment: We meticulously track educational attainment metrics, including school enrolment, reduced dropout rates, and academic progress. Additionally, we measure skill development, such as musical proficiency, life-skills acquisition, and career readiness, as well as improvements in overall well-being, evidenced by participation in health initiatives and reported enhancements in mental health and resilience.
- Community Engagement: Our impact assessment encompasses community stability and social cohesion. We measure participation rates in our programmes, the involvement of families and local leaders, and the positive influence of our music performances and outreach within the community.
- Equality and Inclusion: We are dedicated to promoting gender equality and inclusion of marginalised groups. Our monitoring efforts ensure equitable access and opportunities within our programmes, with a focus on equal participation of girls, leadership roles for young women, and inclusion of all within our initiatives.
- Programme Effectiveness: Continuous evaluation of the quality and effectiveness of our educational, health, and equality initiatives is paramount. This includes monitoring attendance, assessing life-skills development, gathering feedback from participants and stakeholders, and tracking the progression of our alumni.
By aligning our impact measurement with relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we ensure accountability and demonstrate the profound social impact of your investment in Brass for Africa.
Absolutely! Occasionally, we organise a special trip to Uganda for our investors to personally witness the incredible impact of their investments. This exclusive opportunity allows you to engage directly with our programmes, explore the communities we serve, meet the dedicated individuals driving positive change, hear inspiring personal stories, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Kampala and its surroundings.
This unforgettable experience provides a firsthand look at the transformative work your support enables. If you are eager to see the tangible difference your investment is making, we look forward to connecting with you and coordinating your visit.
Brass for Africa’s dedicated team comprises 50 individuals working from our headquarters in Kampala, Uganda, across various departments including Operations, Music Education, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Media. We are also supported by 18 Music & Life-Skills teachers who are integral to our programmes. In addition, we have 4 team members working remotely from the UK.
It’s important to note that 90% of our staff is African, emphasising our commitment to empowering and employing local talent within the communities we serve. This diverse and highly talented team is united in our mission to make a positive impact through music education and community development initiatives.
Certainly! Our approach involves partnering with community-based organisations (CBOs) in Uganda, which are local groups actively working within their communities to address specific needs and issues. These CBOs play a crucial role in the development and implementation of Brass for Africa programmes. They differ from larger, centralised NGOs by often having a more direct and immediate impact on the lives of local residents.
Community-based organisations in Uganda, Rwanda and Liberia operate across key areas such as health, education, economic development, and social welfare. By collaborating closely with these grassroots organisations, we ensure that our programmes are community-driven, culturally sensitive, and effectively meet the unique needs of the local population. This partnership model not only empowers the community but also fosters sustainable, impactful change from within.
Rather than directing the investment towards specific children, young people, or communities, your support will advance programmes addressing the specific focus area you are investing in. We believe this approach ensures fairness and reduces discrimination, as the funds benefit all members of the programme equally, without favouring certain individuals or communities over others. Our focus is on driving communal and social change rather than individual change, ensuring that the impact of your investment is felt across the entire programme, promoting inclusivity and equitable support for all participants.
Brass for Africa determines where your investment goes based on the need and priority of the programmes within the focus area of investment. Your investment will be directed toward the programme that requires more support and aligns with the specified focus area (Education, Equality or Health). This ensures that your investment has a meaningful impact and contributes to the advancement of the identified priorities within Brass for Africa’s initiatives.
talk to a team member
If you have additional questions, please reach out. We’d love to tell you more about our Investment Funds. Talk to Andrea Berbegal, Director of Development: andrea@brassforafrica.org