Jonny's Story
I have been involved with Bridges For Music https://bridgesformusic.org for 7 years since 2018 and I have the honour of being the current Chair of the Board of Trustees. This year I am cycling from London to Amsterdam with the team over 4 days (please join us if you feel inspired!) to raise money for the project. For those of you that are new to the cause, we empower young creatives from under-served communities through programmes focused on creative entrepreneurship, well-being and music. We have a physical school, the Briges Academy in the township of Langa in Cape Town. All the places at the school are fully sponsored so we are always dependent on the kindness of our sponsors and donors to help us with our work. At the moment we are fundraising for the construction of a new building on site for the youngest kids in our programme, the Creative Club which happens after school. Rather than being on the streets and in gangs the kids come to us to focus on piano, singing, dance and DJ'ing. I was at the school recently and was talking with the older students (18-30yrs) who spend 5 months with us in the Talent Development Programme. I asked them all what Bridges For Music meant to them and this was their collective response : "A place of culture, consistency, discipline, a place to learn more about yourself, a home where creative minds are transformed, opportunity, collaboration, my Church, community, dream house / home from home, land of inspiration, access to amazing artists, a place of love where you are allowed to be yourself, piano, meditation, free from judement, hope for young creatives, a place of joy, energy, where everything is possible." We are using the creative arts and mental health practices combined with digital literacy and connection to employment opportunities as a vehicle for societal change. And it is really working !! Please support us so that we can change more lives and communities and be part of the change that you want to see in the world. Also, if you are ever in Cape Town then please come and visit and see for yourself ! With hugs and love Jonny x
