"Ghetto Classics and Ruben Centre: Using Music Education to Empower Disadvantaged Youth in Kenya"

Ghetto Classics is an inspiring programme established by Elizabeth Njoroge, which uses music education to empower young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in Kenya. The initiative began as a community programme in Korogocho, one of Kenya's largest slums, providing children with opportunities to improve their lives and communities through the discipline and life skills instilled by studying art music. Ghetto Classics has since expanded its reach, partnering with organizations like Ruben Centre to bring music education to more young people.

Ruben Centre and Ghetto Classics have had a fruitful partnership for six years. In 2017, Ghetto Classics began teaching recorder to forty young primary students at Ruben Centre, and the programme has since grown to include senior and junior orchestras, with support from thirty choir members. The students are taught by a team of five tutors from Ghetto Classics, and they have the opportunity to be mentored by alumni of the Ruben Primary School who return as tutors during holidays and weekends.

One of Ghetto Classics' key partnerships is with Breana Stillman, an Australian opera singer based in Rome, Italy. Her organization, OperAffinity, works with children who have experienced persecution and war, using music as a therapeutic tool to inspire and educate. Through transformative and accessible music experiences, OperAffinity seeks to unlock the potential in every child.

Recently, Ghetto Classics held a music camp at Ruben Centre during the first term holidays, with the aim of creating oneness and harmony between students, school systems, and the community. The camp lasted for one week, with additional spontaneous practice and events flowing over into the second week. The concert on the final day was recorded by Ruben FM and can be found on Ruben Centre's YouTube page. On Sunday May 7th, a concert was held at Mukuru Promotion Centre, with the Australian High Commissioner to Kenya and the Swedish Ambassador and their partners in attendance.

The Australian High Commissioner Amb. Luke Williams described the occasion as uplifting, with a standing ovation from guests for Brianna and the team from the orchestra after their performance of the Neapolitan dialect song “O Sole Mio”. Ruben Centre acknowledges the hard work and dedication of all partners involved, including Ghetto Classics, Ruben Centre based Conductor Brian Mwanika, and all the kids who participated. The camp has been an amazing experience for both the students and tutors, providing an engaging and fun environment for musical and personal growth.

By: Frank O’Shea, Brian Mwanika & Benson Kagwima.

Edits: GB