Introducing a young refugee song leader to the NVN

Andrix Leko is a 26-year-old refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo who has been living in the UK for just under three years with his mother and five siblings.

In the DRC, Andrix’s gift for leadership shone as he directed a large Salvation Army choir from his late teens. Since arriving in the UK, however, his opportunities to lead and share his talents have been limited. Aside from his involvement with my choirs over the last couple of years, he hasn’t had many chances to lead or gain experience teaching in new settings.

Thanks to ARCH funding, Andrix was able to get more experience leading my choirs this term and will be leading a few songs again at our winter concert. He has been very well received, with singers deeply moved by his talent, energy, and warmth. 

I’ve seen firsthand how much he has to offer, and I truly believe in him. Andrix deserves every opportunity to thrive, do the work he was born to do, and step away from the exhausting work he currently does to help support his family. So,this is why I want to help Andrix attend the NVN Annual Gathering in January. 

The gathering will be a place for him to grow, connect, and inspire. 

As ARCH funding has already been allocated, I’m asking for your help to raise £550 to cover his place at the gathering and his travel expenses by train from Essex plus the fees and VAT taken by Crowdfunder.

Our gathering would give Andrix the opportunity to:

-Meet and learn from other inspiring leaders in the Natural Voice community.

-Share his energy and skill by leading a song at the gathering.

-Build connections with other choir leaders, opening doors for future opportunities.

And hopefully give him a joyful and enriching experience.

If we exceed our goal, I will ensure that the extra funds raised will allow Andrix to be paid appropriately to visit other choirs in the coming months, gaining more experience and expanding his skills in ways that will enrich our community even further.

Thank you for any support you can give, every little will help—it will mean so much to Andrix - and to me.

    Andrix leading one of the ARCH funded sessions in November 2024

   Here he is leading his choir back home

   And leading my choir at our winter concert in 2022