Arts and Culture South Africa Project #36676

Marimba training, 150 kids, Alexandra Township

by Education Africa

Marimba training, 150 kids, Alexandra Township

Summary

Our project will provide marimba (African Xylophone) training to a 150 disadvantaged children in the township of Alexandra one of Johannesburg's oldest and poorest townships with limited services and opportunities for children. We will supply a full set of Marimbas, teaching equipment and training to implement the program. Marimbas offer opportunities to keep children off the streets and holistic educational benefits. We have the expertise and experience to deliver on our mission

$7,500
total goal

$1,836
remaining

53
donors

0
monthly donors

4
fundraisers

5
years

Challenge

Due to poor schooling and lack of resources there are very few programs that offer meaningful after school activities to keep the children off the streets and out of harms way, including the challenges they face daily of crime, drugs, alcoholism, prostitution, child abuse etc. Schools facilities don't allow for sports and recreational facilities because Alexandra is overpopulated with very little living space. There is no budget in the poor schools to provide music learning opportunities.

Solution

It will take the children off the street and put them into Marimba classes. It will give them hope and provide a safe haven for extramural activities. It will give the children an opportunity to learn a music instrument. Music education is by and large an elitist activity which poor people cannot access die to costs of instruments and tuition. With this Marimba program we are able to teach 33 children at the same time, which is extremely cost effective.

Long-Term Impact

At least 150 children on a school week bases will have access to Marimba lessons. This will open doors for them to our other Education Africa Marimba projects including our International Marimba & Steelpan Festival, Sounds of Celebration Concert and international tours. Our marimba children that have passed through our program have shown improvement in their schooling grades. performed at tertiary level and in the world of work. We have a number of our alumni giving back.