Welcome back to Ukulelia, boys and girls! This is your place to find the latest ukulele blogs, ideas, tips, tricks, chords and more. This month we'll be finding out how the ukulele is making a difference to Indian women who have been the victims of human trafficking. We'll also be learning how to strum block and discovering Bulgaria's answer to the Ukulele...

Ukulele for good IMG_0946

We all know what a confidence-boosting, mood-enhancing and positive social experience music can be, but the Survivor Girl Ukulele Band (SGUB) based in Kolkata, India, is taking the power of music to a whole new level. Developed to help female survivors of human trafficking to heal and grow in confidence, the project sees founder Laurie Kallevig travelling to India with 24 colourful ukuleles in tow. Working with girls and women who have experienced significant trauma in their lives, Laurie has met many individuals who feel that they have no worth or hope. The ability to learn a new skill in such a positive setting has helped many of the members of the Survivor Girl Ukulele Band grow in confidence and develop hope for the future. You can find a brilliant interview with Laurie Kallevig on the Ukulele Tricks website , curated by Brett McQueen. Keen to learn more about the project? Take a look at the SGUB website.

How to strum block

Betty with UkeWant to achieve a smoother progression between chords and notes? Ready to make playing faster easier and more flexible? It's time to learn how to strum block! This blog published on the Love My Ukulele  site will teach you the basics of strum blocking and shares some resources to help you improve, starting with learning how to rest your fingers on the strings without fretting them. Love My Ukulele recommends this video from the snappily dressed, speedy-fingered James Hill as a great example of strum blocking in action...

 Meet Bulgaria's answer to the ukulele: The Tambura

Lots of cultures have their very own, diminutive 4 stringed instruments, and Bulgaria is no exception. Join the the all-round excellent  Ben as he travels the world with his uke, documenting his journey on the Ukulele Road Trips blog. In this particular instalment, Ben tries the local Bulgarian Rakia in Varna and meets 15 year old Polina with her traditional tambura. Beware – this blog will give you seriously itchy feet! What's the furthest you've travelled with your ukulele? What do you think of the Survivor Girls Ukulele Band? Have you taught yourself strum blocking and have any tips? Let us know and get in touch via Twitter @SUS_UKES.