Foundation For Development of Needy Communities

Bungokho County, Mbale District, Uganda

Tuning his trombone with the precision of an accomplished musician, 15-year-old Odda prepares for an afternoon concert in Mbale, Uganda. Two years ago, before being encouraged to put his youthful energy to use as a musician, Odda held little hope of escaping from the cycle of neglect, disease, and abuse that afflict many of the impoverished children living in the town of Mbale. Now, equipped with experience and confidence, Odda knows that he can translate his musical skills into employment, allowing him to become a self-sufficient and productive member of society. More importantly, Odda and his fellow young musicians have found a way to bring their community closer together, to bridge the gaps between young and old, rich and poor, and to use music as a means to help people communicate and learn from each other.

First created with instruments donated by a youth orchestra in the United Kingdom, the Foundation for the Development of Needy Communities (FDNC) formed the brass band in 1996 as a means of channeling the energy of local young people and of teaching them marketable skills that can be used later in life. Today, the band consists of seventy-two boys and girls and has grown to include trumpets, tubas, saxophones, flutes, and snare drums, among other instruments. These young musicians maintain a busy schedule, playing for civic celebrations, community functions, and private events. Drawing on the cultural importance of music in Ugandan society, the FDNC band’s crowd-pleasing performances generate sixty percent of FDNC’s annual budget.

FDNC is an indigenous nongovernmental organization that supports participatory approaches to sustainable community development and promotes opportunities for young people, the disabled, women, and the elderly. In an area beset by high rates of poverty, HIV/AIDS, drug addiction, child neglect, unemployment, and juvenile delinquency, the young people of Mbale are at extreme risk. By the end of 2002, however, FDNC will open a new community center—the first of its kind in the region— that will be dedicated to serving the needs of children and young people. Members of the community, young and old, have joined forces around the community center, donating materials, ideas, and their labor. The center, built in part with a grant from GFC, will offer primary health care services, reproductive health and HIV/AIDS counseling, pre- and postnatal care, recreational activities, and leadership and skills training classes.

Reflecting on his experience with FDNC, the trumpet player Odda commented, “FDNC programs . . . helped me to open my mind to greater ideas. I feel so good to meet fellow youth and friends during practice and performances.” Odda added, “I always feel at peace in the band.” FDNC’s work has ensured that children like Odda continue to find support and motivation to better their own lives, to take active roles in their communities, and to appreciate the value of their innate talents.

Select Country Profiles:

Agastya International Foundation, India
Children’s Town, Zambia
Foundation For Development of Needy Communities, Uganda
Girls Education and Mentoring Services, United States
La Conscience, Togo
Sports and Life Schools (Escuelas Deporte y Vida), Peru
Train Platform Schools, India
Women Development Association, Cambodia