The sound of African drums and a xylophone waft through the air. These are accompanied by clapping and the beautiful voices of twenty children singing in their native language. As the melody continues, some of the children come to the front and dance enthusiastically to the rhythm.
This is a worship session led by the choir at Burunga Hope Life Primary School, a new highlight of their week. Burunga Hope Life Primary School is a Christian founded school based in Lyantonde District, Central Uganda. Since 2010, this school has received support from Fields of Life.
In 2017, through the Sponsorship Gift Fund, the school received a set of traditional musical instruments that included drums, flutes, xylophones, raffia skirts and other stage costumes.
The school director, Abert Kubagye, explains how the gift of musical instruments has brought such joy and fun to the school. “The children now enjoy participating in the school’s weekly worship sessions, performing for their parents at school events and showcasing their musical talent at inter-school competitions. Recently, we had a zonal schools competition where we came second out of twelve schools.” Pastor Abert says.
Since the instruments were gifted to the school, many children have had the opportunity to discover their musical talent for the first time. Reuben, a primary six pupil said; “I was not motivated to join the choir because they were drumming jerry cans to create the music but when the school bought drums I decided to join.”
Fourteen-year-old Isaac, who had no prior knowledge of playing musical instruments, was also motivated to join the school choir. “I didn’t know how to play drums but with the help of teachers like Mr Ssebuliba, I am now able to play the long drum. I love being in the school choir and look forward to developing my talent in music.” He adds with a smile.
Pastor Abert thanked Fields of Life for initiating the Christmas Gift Fund because it benefits all children in the school including those who are not being sponsored.
He has exciting plans to invest more in music as an extra-curricular activity, including engaging a professional music teacher and using music to educate the community about important issues.
Thank you to everyone who generously gave to the Christmas Gift Fund in 2017 and made it possible for schools to receive musical instruments, sports equipment, sportswear, school bags, solar panels and more.

Credit: Fields of Life