S’Cool Sounds began work in Kigutu, Burundi in 2013 through a partnership with Village Health Works, an extraordinary organization that had already established an exceptional youth program for Burundian traditional music. VHW sought the means to supplement its musical initiatives with a program in Western music and literacy for community children and their teachers. As Nina Stern explains, “We consider this entire program to be a sharing of traditions.”

“Music is a powerful art, it is a tool that can bring not just those children together, but community to community...this is what I think benefits the world – when we can all link arms and teach each other, and care for one another, and sing together, and work together.”

-- Deogratias Niyizonkiza, Founder of Village Health Works