Kampiringisa Rehabilitation Centre

Kampiringisa Rehabilitation Centre is Uganda’s national juvenile detention centre housing up to 300 vulnerable street children and young people “in conflict with the law”. Brass for Africa is one of only a handful of organisations allowed to operate within the institution. We deliver an innovative Music Education and Life-Skills Training programme twice a week, to improve the lives and future prospects of the residents.

Before our project started, there was a strong public stigma against the residents of Kampiringisa. The community did not want to engage with them and were against youngsters attending the nearby local school. The lack of counselling services within the institution meant these vulnerable youth were left in isolation, causing an inability to communicate, express emotions and heal. This negative public perception meant very few were able to attend school, meaning the majority had not received any form of education.

Since 2014, our work has resulted in a proven life-changing initiative. The programme marked positive behavioural change in participants and has provided a sense of inclusion within the community. We have found that beneficiaries have felt empowered through our Music and Life-Skills curriculum, and demonstrated their knowledge and development throughout the course of the programme. Through regular performances and engagements, there has also been significant improvement in the public perception of the children and young people of Kampiringisa.

Today, two of our ex-students from Kampiringisa Rehabilitation Centre are employed as full-time Music and Life-Skills Teachers at Brass for Africa.