Jay Duncan, Luthier We have been teaching guitar-building in the village of Mpigi, Uganda since 2007. Since then we have had 14 people take the course. Our goal this year is to add a new student every month until we have 30 highly qualified students. When possible, these students will form their own manufacturing company and export to developed nations.

These young men and women, who once believed their circumstances could never change, have found themselves in a new position where their dreams are becoming reality. Skills training and hard work are paying off, and the hope for a better tomorrow has never been more tangible. Their instruments are now played all over the world, from Canada and the USA, to the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia. The art of bending sides, bracing the soundboard, and carving a neck to perfection gives our students a sense of pride and accomplishment. They learn about cause and effect relationships as they learn to choose materials. Every element contributes to the tone, playability and long lasting value of the instrument. These students are already agents of change in their village. Their hard work, diligence and dedication to serving others may someday transform the whole community. Could a guitar really change the world? You’ll have to try one to find out.