BRASS FOR AFRICA IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT OUR AMAZING DIRECTOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION, LIZZIE BURROWES, HAS BEEN AWARDED THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL IN THE KING’S BIRTHDAY 2025 OVERSEAS & INTERNATIONAL HONOURS LIST!
Lizzie has been awarded the BEM for services to Music for disadvantaged young people in Africa.
Having begun her journey with Brass for Africa in 2015, whilst a music teacher in the UK, Lizzie would volunteer to travel to Uganda to teach in her holidays.
In 2017 Lizzie joined the Board of Trustees before being appointed as Director of Music Education and relocating to Kampala, Uganda in 2018.
Lizzie’s tireless and selfless efforts have seen her personally and positively impact the lives of thousands of Commonwealth Youth. She has taken musicianship and music education to new heights in Uganda and Rwanda.
Lizzie has become a powerful leader and role model for female equity and inclusion, creating opportunities to accelerate the realisation of potential. She is an ardent advocate for inclusion and opportunity for all, whether it’s working with civil war refugees in the Bidibidi refugee settlement on the Uganda/South Sudanese border, young people in the Kampiringisa National Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre, those living with disability or those living in the huge impoverished informal settlements around Kampala.
Never looking for accolades, just getting on with the work, makes this recognition at the highest level even more special. Everyone at Brass for Africa is delighted to celebrate Lizzie and her well deserved honour.
Brass for Africa Founder Jim Trott MBE says:
“I am absolutely thrilled by this award of the BEM for Lizzie. When I met her over 10 years ago I knew that I’d met someone special, but I couldn’t have imagined how she would become a complete game changer for our organisation, music education in Africa and the lives of many thousands of young people. Congratulations Lizzie!”
“Lizzie’s selfless passion and dedication to music and Brass for Africa is a joy to behold. She is an incredible representative for the charity and for every young person she reaches. The British High Commission passes on its sincerest congratulations to Lizzie for her well deserved honour.” – HE Tiffany Kirlew, British Deputy High Commissioner to Uganda
On learning of her award, Lizzie Burrowes said: ”What a surprise and an honour! Truly, developing and mentoring musicians and teachers, and seeing them empowered and inspiring others is incredibly fulfilling. To me, this award recognises Brass for Africa’s vision and appreciates all the dedicated change-makers on our team who I’m privileged to call friends.”