Jazz Safari proves music to the ears for pupils of Kampala school for the handicapped. The Johnnie Walker Jazz Safari doesn’t happen until June 30, but its most beautiful tunes already rent the air at the Kampala School for the physically handicapped.
Selected as the beneficiary of the annual jazz event’s charity initiative for this year, the school has had specialised equipment set up to help supplement the learning efforts and skills of the school’s disabled pupils.
Charity initiatives of this nature have been a feature of the Jazz Safari since 2011, with support rendered to different causes through the Rotary Clubs of Uganda. And the latest beneficiary of this helping hand is the Balintuma Road-based school, which during the ongoing second term received equipment valued at £50,000 (about Shs250m).
The equipment was obtained through friends and a partnership with Disc Manufacturing Services, a new specialist ICT center based in England.
“Our partnership has been flourishing and we look forward to reaching as far as taking up staff welfare at the school for the next five years with an annual donation of £2,500. Renovations are ongoing at the school as well,” said Tshaka Mayanja, the Jazz Safari founder.
The Jazz Safari has also championed causes in projects such as farming in Ssese Islands under Rotary Kampala-Ssese Club. For several years they have also worked with the Rotary Clubs Cancer Ward at Nsambya Hospital, dedicating a ward named after the late Maureen Mugoya; The Maureen Mugoya Breast Cancer Ward.
The Johnnie Walker Jazz Safari whose eleventh edition is set for June 30, will have legendary bassist and vocalist Richard Bona performing at the annual event which this year switches venue to Speke Resort Muyonyo lakeside. Event sponsors Johnnie Walker have promised the best jazz has to offer with Uganda’a biggeat jazz names like Kaz Kasozi, Black Roots Unlimited featuring Tshaka Mayanja, Michael Kitanda, Tony Trumpet and Aloysius Migade all lined up for the country’s premier jazz show.