Hello! Thanks for being here. I’m James, from Wales, and a music student at Cardiff University. In August 2022 (providing global health crises permit) I will be volunteering at a school in rural Ugandan village with a group of UK students. Whilst there we will be involved in teaching, and will be turning a stretch of ground into a play-park for the children of the school.

From a musical perspective it is exceptionally exciting- a section of the playground will be a dedicated music area with tubular bells and some tuned percussion. It’s also a great chance for me to experience a tradition outside of Western Art Music- I hope to take my clarinet and get as involved as possible.

To enable this I will be doing some fundraising on behalf of Play Action International, the charity who is very much behind this trip. Their work focuses on enhancing children’s learning, development and access to education, and by building physical, long-lasting play areas such as these. They provide support to vulnerable communities and refugees, helping children living in extreme poverty and those experiencing danger, displacement, conflict and natural/humanitarian disasters. Every penny goes direct to this cause. I would be exceedingly grateful of any donations.