Interface Learning Association were awarded a grant of almost £2,000 from Norfolk Community Foundation to fund a carpentry project for young people in Norwich. Project participants will design and construct a set of 14 drum stands that will enable young people with disabilities to learn Japanese taiko drumming.

Those involved in the project are a mix of young people not currently in mainstream education or employment, and refugees and asylum seekers who want to join a community project that enables them to integrate into the host community. For all members, the project teaches valuable practical skills under the supervision of Brian Moore, former head of furniture making at Norwich City College. Those skills can then be developed via further training into employment skills and accreditation.

Members of the carpentry project have skillfully adapted and remodeled oak barrels imported from France, before applying tightly stretched skins to create the taiko drums. The handles and tacks are imported from Japan to add the authentic finishing touches.

“This grant from Norfolk Community Foundation has given young people the opportunity to learn a new practical skill, and allowed them to integrate socially and culturally with people that they might not otherwise encounter, in a positive way.”

Alice Kemp-Welch
General Manager

Once the Taiko drums and stands are complete, Interface Learning members will then learn to play them, alongside young people with disabilities, utilising the newly made drum stands and resulting in performances in 2007.

Referrals to Interface Learning Association come from youth work agencies across Norfolk. Interface Learning creates projects and activities which bring people from different backgrounds together and helps them to develop new skills and self esteem together. In this supportive environment they develop a positive attitude towards each other and towards their future. Interface Learning can be contacted on 01603 632816.

Norfolk Community Foundation provides small grants for voluntary and community groups in Norfolk. For further information visit www.norfolkfoundation.com, telephone 01603 882138 or email info@norfolkfoundation.com.

Alice Kemp-Welch demonstrates one of the Taiko drums made by members of the carpentry project