In the Saroti District of Uganda, through the collective efforts of David Z Foundation and Global Lighthouse Studios, a campaign called "Empowering the Rhythm of Hope" came to a successful close with the funding of materials and license for the new . This storyis a testament to collaboration, perseverance, and the transformative power of music and arts education.
116 Uganda Founder Bold Bonny explains it best:
The story of this partnership begins with the connection between the 3 organizations. In March of 2021, Donna Guerin embarked on a journey to establish Global Lighthouse Studios (GLS), aiming to foster global education through the arts. It was during this period that she encountered Bold Bonny of 116 Uganda, a dedicated educator with a passion for the arts and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but without a central place for teaching. Recognizing the alignment of their goals, Guerin invited Bonny to become one of the first schools to join GLS, setting the stage for a partnership that would soon flourish beyond their initial expectations.
Despite the challenges of remote learning, with students often huddled around a single phone to participate in lessons, Bonny's dream of creating a dedicated school for music and the arts remained unwavering. With the support of the community, including the elders and the youth, Bonny organized town meetings to share his vision, further solidifying the community's commitment to this cause.
A significant milestone was reached when Bonny's students participated in the "Journey to the Heart of the Blues" program, funded by Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation. The program not only provided a stipend but also ignited the creation of a small recording studio and the production of their first blues album. This achievement marked the beginning of tangible progress toward establishing a dedicated educational institution.
Moved by the story and recognizing the potential impact of enhancing the newly built studio, the DZF donated a set of speakers in the spring of 2022. This contribution was not just about improving the studio's capabilities but also about affirming the Foundation's commitment to supporting music and arts education globally.
The donation of speakers by the David Z Foundation was a catalyst for further development. With Bonny's community's support, land was dedicated to building the school, and a large community concert raised additional funds for construction. The Foundation's continued support enabled the purchase of necessary equipment to meet accreditation requirements for the school's opening.
In honor of this journey, the new school will be called Guerin Academy. We look forward to celebrating the arrival of the first cohort of students, knowing that this is just the beginning of a transformative educational experience that will echo for generations to come.
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