Choirs to Improve English Literacy of SA Children

Hello and Thank You Thank You Thank you to all our Donors and Supporters!!

We are thrilled to deliver our first report, albeit late ….provided we finally overcome the IT hurdles! We have been trying to submit it for over a week now.

The Isiphethu Sothukela Legacy project and its associated Siyacula (“Let Us Sing”) Music Festival started in 2017 as part of the celebration of the 50th year of the founding of DBCS, together with the Department of Education KZN and the Champagne Valley School Trust. The second joyful and uplifting Siyacula Music Festival, under the inspired direction  of Judith Hawthorn and Bernard Kruger, was held in the Ken McKenzie Auditorium towards the end of 2018.  Six choirs from local schools of the Loskop, Winterton and Berg area, joined hands with the DBCS choir and produced a wonderful, inspiring and delightful two hours of Choral Entertainment. In the words of Greg Brooks, the Head of Drakensberg Boys Choir School:  "It was a superb Musical Showcase and one of the highlights of my year"

The comments from both teachers and pupils bear witness to the positive impact of Isiphethu Sothukela on the life of the schools where the choristers are improving their overall performances in the classrooms, and are helping to create a healthy attitude amongst fellow pupils to their education…. a sense of self-worth, the importance of discipline and accuracy, of team work, of listening, and a new found ability to speak English with confidence.During  2018, the lsiphethu Sothukela Project interacted with staff of the schools on Leadership and the vital subjects of Maths, English, Science and Early Childhood Development. Teachers from DBCS and Winterton Primary dedicated their time, passion and expertise to quarterly work sessions with the teachers at the 6 participating  schools. This aspect of the project, which is strongly supported by the Regional Director and her Head Office Staff, is currently in review following two years of experience and will be renewed and re-vitalised in 2019.

The Department of Education, under the leadership of Mrs M Mokoena in the Ladysmith/Winterton/ Loskop area  of KZN,  is sincerely thanked for their support and encouragement in all aspects of the project, including the popular quarterly Music Workshops run by the dedicated and inspired music staff of the DBCS in Ladysmith, Bergville and Estcourt. The Isiphethu Sothukela Legacy Project programme has commenced with strength this year, with schools, students and teachers now well-used to what is expected and excitedly anticipating lessons.  Numbers have increased and because we’re building on the last two years’ work, these extra-large classes can be accommodated without too many problems.

Thanks to YOUR support, the Project staff are currently able to visit the following schools weekly:

Sofisosethu Primary Choir: 60 students aged 9-13yrs.  Approx 40 girls, 20 boys

Sofisosethu Primary Grade 3’s:  135 students aged 8-9yrs, equivalent  number of boys and  girls.

Inkosi Mjwayeli Primary Choir: 60 students aged 9-13yrs, approx. 40 girls, 20 boys.

Inkosi Mjwayeli Primary Grade 3’s:  180 students, aged 8-9yrs, equivalent  number of boys and  girls.

Celimfundo Primary Choir:  45 students aged 9-13yrs, approx. 30 girls, 15 boys.

Celimfundo Primary Grade 3’s:  135 students aged 8-9yrs, equivalent  number of boys and  girls.

Meadowsweet Primary Choir:  65 students aged 9-13yrs, approx. 40 girls, 25 boys.

TOTAL STUDENTS BEING REACHED SO FAR  IN 2019:  680

PARTICIPATING EDUCATORS SO FAR IN 2019:  15

Heartfelt thanks to Global Giving and for each and every donation  to this project!!

Siyacula concert video….. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL0aCSpUnjc  

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/IsiphethuSothukela/

Dr Bridget A Johnsen BVSc[Pret] MS[U.S.A.]
Project Leader

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