Claire Nakibuule was one of the first saxophone students of our founder, Monique Udo. We’ve always stayed in touch with her, and Claire has taught saxophone lessons on behalf of Muziek voor Kinderen at various project locations.
In 2023, Claire asked for our help in setting up her own music project. She had a clear plan in mind and was able to explain exactly what was needed to make it happen. That’s how the Happy Children Music Initiative came to be.
Starting three years ago with just a handful of students, HCMI is now a vibrant place where 50 children from a suburb of Kampala receive lessons almost every day in ukulele, guitar, keyboard, saxophone, and traditional dance and drums. Claire has gathered a group of young and enthusiastic teachers around her. Performances are held regularly, including in the community and at nearby schools. HCMI maintains an online presence on social media and tries to generate its own income on a small scale.
Music for Children has embraced this project and is providing funding, with the rental of the venue, the purchase and repair of instruments, and the teachers’ salaries being the largest expenses
Claire is now the Coordinator of Happy Children Music Initiative.
“As the founders of this project we realised how music has been a life changing and talent developing success in our lives. As a number of kids in this community where we grew up have no opportunity to go to school or develop their talents we, as HCMI, want to bring music lessons to develop their talents, skilling them and so improve their ways of living and life management. We also want to be life changing to the community of Kajjansi through our services in music education skills and performance opportunities to children of all ages and abilities in all aspects of music industry.“
HCMI has their own website and they are very active on Social Media. Follow HCMI on Instagram to see vivid images and clips of her children performing.
