This paper presents an overview of UKUSA, a non-governmental community arts/music programme in Durban, South Africa. At the heart of this project is a desire to enable people who have been historically disadvantaged to develop a more positive sense of self. To this end, UKUSA offers the best possible tuition in music, dance and drama, developing skills for self-actualization, further education and career development. Aimed at those who are 16 and older, this paper describes UKUSA as a bridging course for tertiary institutions.