A CHEPSTOW woman, who now lives in Uganda, is back home to encourage locals to donate musical instruments to a Kampala charity that helps street children.

Michelle Moffatt, moved to Kampala 10 months ago with her husband, Hugh, and three children, due to her husband's work with the British Council.

She is now involved with a charity called Music Life Skills and Destitution Alleviation (M-Lisada) a group created by eight former street children in 1996 to help others like themselves.

Today the centre supports 150 street children, orphans and vulnerable children, 80 of whom reside at M-Lisada's home, and others visit as part of an outreach project as there is not enough room or funds to house them.

The children are given musical theory and practical lessons, all supported by charitable donations.

Mrs Moffatt has returned to the UK for one month and is hoping to inspire locals to give to this worthy cause.

She said: "It's a very poor country and is developing so it's challenging to live there but it's a good experience for my family.

"The charity is unique as it helps the children to learn valuable life skills as well as teaching them music so they can perform at events and make money. Its aim is to turn street children into professional musicians."

M-Lisada has proved that music skills can transform the lives of children as 16 ex-street youths have gone on to be employed by the army and police bands, while others have gone on to join youth brass bands throughout Uganda.

Mrs Moffatt, who teaches the children craft making and writing skills, added: "Many children end up on the streets of the capital due to poverty, abuse or death of parents due to HIV.

"Thanks to the charity they have some where to go daily, there are washing facilities, they are given trauma counselling, a meal of porridge, and provided with a non-formal literacy class and music lesson."

A secondary school in Derbyshire, Chellaston Academy, provides a lot of support for M-Lisada, but the charity still needs more donations if it is to support its growing numbers.

If anyone would like to donate unwanted musical instruments, music sheets, children's clothes (age 7-16), shoes or stationery, all will be gratefully received up until 5 August. To donate contact Michelle Moffatt on 0756 558 2969.