ABF Voices of Haiti is the pilot project for the ABF Voices of programme, which uses music and choral singing as educational tools to develop the social and emotional skills of children and young people living in situations of extreme vulnerability. The choir offers a safe, stable setting for personal growth, connection and renewed confidence in the future.
The project is based in the village of Nabikabala, in Namutumba District, where access to educational and cultural opportunities is limited. ABF complements and strengthens local provision by championing music as a universal, accessible language that is also recognised by public institutions as a driver of social and youth development.
The context: the need and the challenge
Across Uganda, particularly in rural and outlying areas, socio-economic vulnerability often restricts access to educational and cultural opportunities, limiting children’s and adolescents’ ability to thrive. In communities such as Nabikabala, the school is an essential anchor, but cannot always provide all the spaces and pathways needed for well-rounded personal growth, especially in emotional, relational and creative terms.
The project addresses this need by providing a stable, accessible learning experience that builds social, emotional and interpersonal skills while creating an inclusive and lasting community space. Through its universal and participatory language, choral singing promotes listening, collaboration and belonging, helping form positive relationships and strengthening the wider learning community.
ABF’s response
In Uganda, ABF delivers an educational programme centred on music and choral singing as tools for developing children’s and young people’s social, emotional and interpersonal skills. The choir becomes a structured setting for learning, listening and cooperation, where participants can build self-esteem, discipline and a sense of belonging.
Delivered with local partner African Soup Uganda, the project is embedded within the village school in Nabikabala, strengthening its role as an education and community hub. Through sustained, locally rooted work, ABF creates lasting learning opportunities and supports the development of both young people and the wider community.
Why it matters: the needs addressed
- Educational poverty and social exclusion
- A shortage of safe spaces for children and young people
- Risk of involvement in cycles of violence
- The need for psychosocial support and continuity in education
The project
Partner
African Soup Uganda is a local organisation supporting children and families through education and community programmes in vulnerable rural areas. Working directly in the village of Nabikabala, it is a trusted, long-standing point of reference with deep knowledge of the local context and the community’s educational and social needs.
Key activities
- Establishing and running a school youth choir with structured weekly sessions
- Using choral singing to strengthen listening, cooperation and participation
- Embedding social and emotional learning activities within rehearsals
- Gradually involving teachers, families and the local community
Objectives
- Strengthen participants’ social, emotional and interpersonal skills
- Support continuity in education and motivation to learn
- Champion music as an inclusive educational tool rooted in the local context
- Contribute to the development of human and community capital
Community impact
The project strengthens the community’s human, social and educational capital by addressing factors that shape the development of children and young people in vulnerable settings. Through choral singing, participants build essential social and emotional skills – including self-awareness, emotional self-management, collaboration and responsibility – improving individual wellbeing and the quality of family and community relationships.
As part of ABF’s wider commitment to education, the project helps create an environment in which young people can experience sustained, meaningful growth. It gives them a safe, motivating space and strengthens the wider community by fostering participation, belonging and positive models of youth leadership, making the choir an anchor for resilience and shared progress.
Project phases
- 2024: project launch and establishment of the youth choir at African Soup School in Nabikabala
- 2024-2025: consolidation of the educational programme and gradual involvement of the wider community
- 2026: showcasing results and taking part in the Global Gathering
