A well-known Wexford musician is preparing to swap the stage for a humanitarian mission later this year as he joins a volunteer group travelling to Bungoma, Kenya, to support a community in need…
Ruben Buggy, who is familiar to many across Wexford through his music performances and youth music projects, recently announced his involvement in the initiative and is now appealing for public support to help fund the trip and the work being carried out on the ground.
Describing the opportunity as “far more important” than his usual music-related announcements, Buggy said he was honoured to be asked to join “an amazing group of people who volunteer every year to lend a hand to the people of Bungoma in Kenya.”
The project focuses on providing practical support to vulnerable members of the community. Volunteers help construct housing for teenage mothers, improve water collection areas with lighting and pathways, and work on schools and orphanages by building roofs, floors, drainage systems, wells, vegetable gardens and sanitary facilities.
Among the most vulnerable are young mothers, some “as young as 11 and 12”, who have been abandoned by their families and left to fend for themselves.
While construction work forms a major part of the initiative, Buggy believes the human connection created through music and cultural exchange is equally important.
“In my opinion feeling loved and cared for is one of the most essential human needs. To know you matter and that your life is yours to make of it what you can and have the support there,” he said.
Music will play a central role in his contribution. Buggy plans to teach music workshops to local students and record an original song and video with them before sharing it with a global audience.
“My main mission is to teach a bit of music to the students and record a song at the end of the week and share that song with the world,” he explained.
He hopes the project will help young people realise “that they have a voice and that that voice is positive, progressive and empowering.”
A lifelong admirer of African music and culture, Buggy says he is equally excited about what he will learn during the trip.
“The rhythms and harmonies in the music is something very ancient and special,” he said, adding that African music has fascinated him since childhood.
Funds raised will cover travel and accommodation costs, with any money raised above those expenses going directly towards materials and supplies for the community, including timber, instruments and medical equipment.
“This is something I am so proud to be able to do. But I do need your help,” Buggy said.
Donations of any size are being welcomed as the Wexford musician prepares for what promises to be a life-changing journey for both himself and the people he hopes to support. To donate, check out the GoFundMe here.
Jason Redmond
From Gorey, Jason is the owner of Wexford Weekly. He is also a post-primary English and History teacher.
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