Byline: Refeloe Letsoisa
13 November 2023
With the aim of providing all learners with music education from a young age and opportunities for financially disadvantaged children and youth in the community, Ikamva Music Art Institute (IMAI) launched the school music development program.
The launch was held on Friday, 10 November 2023 at Kgotso Tsotetsi Lapa (Kgotso Hall) in eMbalenhle.
Even though IMAI was established in June 2017, the organisation took this as an opportunity to educate and inspire young school learners about music.
Esteemed guest speakers from Govan Mbeki Municipality, Sasol, Gert Sibande Region, and Arts, Sports, and Recreation were invited to share words of encouragement with the learners.
“When we were young, playing sports and venturing into the arts industry were seen as useless initiatives, but these days, it is important to follow your dreams. Do what you love; it might take you far one day,” said Mr Xolani Chiliza from the Gert Sibande Region.
Mr Cleopas Palmer, founder and CEO of IMAI, emphasised how happy it makes him feel to see young learners singing and dancing in front of an audience.
It was difficult when the organisation started this initiative, but with determination and hard work, there has been a lot of improvement, further stated Mr Palmer.
The organisation also invited five primary schools, one special school, and one secondary school around GMM, namely, Shapeve primary school, Embalenhle primary school, Tholukwazi primary school, Buyani primary school, Kinross primary school, Basizeni special school, and Kiriyatswana secondary school.
In closing, grade 2 learners from all primary schools and Kiriyatswana secondary school learners were given music instruments to use when performing.
