Pianos for Uganda

Fr. Thomas Sserwadda meets with Anita Dixon-Brown from Creative City, KC and Phyllis Pasley, MAAE

Missourians Unite to share the Gift of Music with students in Uganda


Father Thomas Sserwadda of St. Louis University has partnered with MAAE, Jackson Pianos, Creative City, KC, and UNESCO to bring the 20 donated and refurbished pianos to Bukalasa Seminary in Uganda. The $25,000 in shipping costs is the final barrier to helping  to bring the joys and benefits of a music education to over 200 students. Please make a donation today!


About the Project


On behalf of Bukalasa Seminary in Uganda, I am pleased to submit our proposal for the

"Melodies of Change" project. We are requesting $25,000 to support the transportation of 20

donated pianos from St. Louis to our seminary in Uganda. This transformative initiative aligns

seamlessly with the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education’s mission to unite with others in

promoting and supporting arts education, recognizing the profound impact of arts engagement.


Through this project, we aim to ensure that all our students have access to the benefits of a high-

quality arts education.


Bukalasa Seminary, founded in 1894, is Uganda's oldest indigenous seminary. We serve 450

underprivileged students aged 11-18, providing a comprehensive education that includes spiritual,

academic, and personal development. However, our music program has long lacked quality

instruments, limiting our students' ability to explore their artistic potential.

The "Melodies of Change" project, in partnership with Jackson Pianos of St. Louis, aims to address

this critical need. By bringing these pianos to our institution, we will:


1. Enhance music education for all 450 students

2. Foster creativity, personal growth, and cultural exchange

3. Provide opportunities for community engagement through performances

4. Empower our students with skills that can lead to future opportunities


This initiative resonates strongly with the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education mission. It

supports arts education, provides tools for underprivileged youth to forge their futures in arts

education, and celebrates students' success. Moreover, it embodies the MAAE’s commitment to

the professional teaching skills of arts educators and contributes to community development. We

are excited about this project's potential impact and believe it represents an excellent opportunity

for the MAAE to make a lasting difference in the lives of Ugandan youth. I appreciate your

consideration.


We look forward to partnering with you to bring the transformative power of music to our students.

Sincerely,


Rev. Thomas Sserwadda

Project Officer of Bukalasa Seminary

Jackson Piano Staff working to prepare the pianos for their journey to the students at Bukalasa Seminary in Uganda.

Acknowledging our Contributors