AN incredible project, based at 1 Garnaal Street, Pellsrus, Jeffreys Bay, has been launched to give children in the community opportunities in the world of music that they normally would not have access to.
At the beginning of a school year, learners are invited to apply for this programme, whether they were a part of it previously or not.
Applications are carefully considered, and 30 children are then selected to participate.
During normal operations, that is, before COVID-19, they will start their daily programme between 14:00 and 14:30, when the children arrive from school and get at least a healthy snack or sometimes, when possible, a hot meal, depending on what donations they received that week.
After snack time, the children will receive assistance with their homework.
Only once the children have completed their homework will the music tuition begin. First, they are instructed in music theory, before splitting into smaller groups that focus on instruction in individual instruments. Among the instruments taught at the project are violin, classic guitar, piano, jembe, trumpet and ukulele.
Learners are given their instruments to take home, all of which have been acquired through donations. They are held accountable for practising and looking after their instruments.
Due to many volunteers leaving during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are currently only able to teach violin and classical guitar and will only operate three times a week, once public schools open on February 15.
The project also has a library, where learners are able to take out books to assist in their gaining essential literacy skills. Learners are allowed to either read them on site or take them home for a week, just like any other library.
According to director of the project, Cornelius Chapewa, most of their books were donated by an American NPO, which means that they have American titles and, they would love to get some books from local authors to share with the children.
“Other than offering these children music lessons, the project is aimed at improving general literacy and numeracy in learners. Volunteers spend time with them, creating a positive environment where they are encouraged and uplifted giving them the courage and confidence to utilise their new skills in such a way that it impacts the rest of their lives,” Chapewa said.
Beats and Books invite local volunteers with a background in music or teaching to pop by and find out whether they would like to help out. The project aims at continuing full operations as soon as possible.
For more info, visit www.beatsandbooks.org.
