Students at Ithute Primary School were upbeat when they welcomed counterparts from other schools during the launch of a music project.
The project – made possible by a donation from the partnership of Education Africa, Sydenham Shul and King David Primary School – will develop collaboration and unity among children through music irrespective of colour, creed or social status.
Present at the launch were representatives from the donors, the Department of Education, children from King David Primary, and students from Stoneridge Primary School in Ekurhuleni, who were previous recipients of a similar donation.
The launch included an introduction of the project concept, handover of marimba music instruments and a demonstration on their use.
Ithute has been selected as the project hub and hosts other primary schools: Carter, Ekukhanyisweni, Dr Knak and Gordon.
Joan Lithgow of Education Africa and project initiator, said 25 Grade 5 and 6 children per school were being trained on how to play the instruments once a week; their teachers were attending a 40-hour course in facilitating the project so they can also train more students.
“Besides unifying children, marimba music breaks down cultural and linguistic barriers, stimulates and integrates both sides of the brain, helping to enhance school performance and personal development and develops teamwork and spirit. The students learn how to be versatile in all instruments,” she said.
School principal Mduduzi Gwaza said the project was a practical integration of extra-mural activities into the school curriculum. “It will also keep children occupied during their free time after school, to avoid spending time on the streets and from potential bad influences,” he added.
The head of the creative art and culture department, Thokozile Mohale said the ‘marimba project’ was an edutainment gift which would eventually be rolled out to all primary schools in the area, and help develop a culture of schools’ festivals and entertainment activities where some of the children would realise their talents.
Lithgow urged the student pioneers to dedicate themselves to the project in readiness for a marimba festival later in the year, and for possible music tours overseas in the future.
Rabbi Yehuda Stern of Sydenham Shul said he hoped the donation, a result of the Sounds of Celebration 2014 fundraiser, would contribute to developing an “orchestra for peace and tranquility”, foster ‘ubuntu’, and improve unity among city residents.
