Alex children’s career opportunities are expanding beyond the technical and social-oriented fields.
An arts and drama programme, that includes dance instructing, gymnastics and the performing arts, provides a drum majorettes programme at M.C Weiler Primary School.
The programme, called the White Drum Majorettes, started in 2005 and is attended by 50 Grade 4 to 7 pupils.
It is regarded as a sporting code and an extra curriculum activity that teaches self-discipline, self-control, orderliness, maths skills through counting musical beats, and physical fitness.
Most of the participating children are from needy families and the programme exposes them to possible careers in a field that is not only reliant on academic excellence, but also personal talent and determination. The children practise daily for 30 minutes and are a marvel to watch as they do their routines.
Their instructor, Queen Myeni, a Grade 1 teacher and also a trained instructor, said the programme helped to develop children’s self-discipline as they play. “Over time and with interest, some of them [the children] will realise possible careers using talents which could have gone to waste. Also, some mentors may be forthcoming to scout and help nurture them to be come professionals,” she said.
Myeni added that because of their success, the group was mentoring teams from Glenhazel, Zenzeleni, Bovet, and Ekukhanyisweni primary schools, as well as Realogile Secondary School, along with another school in Ivory Park.
Also, they have partnered with the local group of the Field Band Foundation, which enabled them to perform at the foundation’s national competition last year. They have also performed at fundraising events for other schools and at competitions in various provinces.
Myeni added that the group needed support to excel further and were inviting potential sponsors to use them at their events. They require new uniforms, equipment and white boots.
Details: Mc Weiler Primary School, 011 882 8928.
