The People
Behind the Mission
A founder with a calling. A team built on conviction. A community that has been showing up — together — since 2017.
Grace
Balafonte
Grace Massea Kousso-Doua · Known as Grace Balafonte"I did not start GBM because I thought I could change the world. I started it because I could not ignore the community right in front of me."
Grace Balafonte · Founder & DirectorGrace Massea Kousso-Doua — known publicly as Grace Balafonte — is a gospel artist, community leader, and the driving force behind everything GBM is and does. A first-generation African immigrant who understands firsthand what it means to build a life between two worlds, Grace founded GBM in 2017 because she saw her community being overlooked and simply refused to look away.
Before a charity number, before grants, before a building — she was running sessions, hosting gatherings, and investing in children and families out of pure conviction. That is the DNA of GBM, and it starts with her.
BA Music Business
Formal qualification underpinning all creative arts programming
Diploma in SEN
Every programme designed with inclusion from the ground up
MA — Languages Education
Currently completing a Master's to qualify as a secondary school languages teacher
Award-Winning Gospel Artist
Worship leader and recording artist with 15+ years of ministry
Board & Team
Community-led at every level. First-generation. Faith-filled. Professionally qualified.
Founder and lead trustee of GBM — bringing nine years of frontline community leadership, strategic vision, and deep rootedness in the Francophone African community she serves.
GTrustee contributing direct operational insight and programme expertise — with hands-on experience running GBM's camps and creative activities across South London.
RProvides governance, strategic oversight, and accountability — ensuring GBM remains true to its charitable mission and the community it was built to serve.
MContributes independent governance and oversight to support the long-term integrity, sustainability, and accountability of the organisation.
LLeads overall strategy, operations, and programme delivery. As Designated Safeguarding Lead, Grace holds responsibility for child protection and safeguarding across all GBM activities.
GOversees day-to-day operations, camp management, and the Creative Academy. As Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Rachel supports the safeguarding framework across all programmes.
RSpecial Educational Needs Coordinator — ensuring every child, regardless of additional needs, is fully included, supported, and celebrated across all GBM programmes.
KOversees financial management, reporting, and accountability — ensuring every pound donated is transparently managed and directed to the families GBM serves.
FFrom a Calling
to a Community
Before the grants, before the recognition — we were already here. Nine years of showing up.
GBM Launches
Grace Balafonte steps out in faith and launches Grace Balafonte Ministries — serving Black African Francophone families in South London. Before the building. Before the grant. Before anyone was watching.
First Rendez-vous des Worshippers Conference
GBM hosts its first bilingual worship conference — gathering the Francophone Christian community in London for a night of praise, encounter, and shared faith.
Conference · FR/ENGBM Kidz Launches — Children's Ministry
A dedicated children's ministry is born. Creative arts, music, worship, and discipleship — designed from the ground up for the children of Francophone African families in South London.
GBM KidzGBM 5 Years — Gala & Fundraising Event
GBM marks five years of community service with a landmark gala evening — celebrating impact, honouring the community, and raising funds to carry the mission forward.
5th AnniversaryRegistered Charity
After six years of proven community impact, the Charity Commission for England & Wales grants GBM official charitable status. Six years of showing up — officially recognised.
Charity No. 1203259Holiday Camp Launches
GBM Kidz Holiday Camp launches — 150+ children across 3 free camps. Music, arts, cooking, sport, and enrichment in a safe, faith-rooted, bilingual environment. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
National Lottery FundedCreative Academy Launches
The GBM Kidz Creative Academy launches formally — offering structured, professionally led programmes in music, visual arts, and media for children and young people aged 4–17.
GBM Kidz Creative AcademyFestival — 10 Years of Impact
The first ever Black African Francophone Christian Festival in the United Kingdom. A celebration of faith, culture, community, and a decade of love in action. Free. Bilingual FR/EN. London. All families welcome.
10th Anniversary