Choirs to Improve English Literacy of SA Children

The PSI Legacy Project for Choirs Development in Schools continues to demonstrate its profound impact on learners, teachers, and communities, integrating music and environmental themes to foster meaningful change. We continue to appreciate deeply your contribution to this impact. Last year’s final activation (December 2024) was a resounding success, featuring two weekend camps at the Weenen Nature Reserve. These camps, designed to inspire and educate teacher choir conductors, focused on the critical issue of biodiversity and regenerative agriculture.

A Transformative Experience in Biodiversity Awareness and Regenerative Agriculture

Led by the dedicated Peter Ardington of the Jonny Lowe Memorial Trust and generously funded by the PSI Legacy Project, and nominal contributions made by Teachers and Schools for transport and accomodation, these weekends offered a unique opportunity for teacher choir conductors to connect deeply with nature. The purpose was twofold:

1. To enhance teachers’ understanding of biodiversity, nature conservation, regenrative agriculture and environmental care.

2. To align their teaching with PSI’s thematic focus on these issues, equipping them to engage learners with greater conscientiousness through song and discussion.

The immersive experience, which started with an informative brief on the value of sustainable/ regenerative agriculture practices at Mearns Fram in Mooi River and then went on to camping in the wilderness and exploring the restoration story of Weenen Nature Reserve, left a lasting impression. Once a desolate landscape ravaged by overgrazing, Weenen has transformed into a thriving habitat supporting significant wildlife. This powerful example of environmental recovery underscored the potential for positive change when awareness and action align. Teachers left the camp inspired, prepared to carry these lessons forward into their classrooms and communities in 2025.

Strengthening Commitment Through Music

A key aspect of the PSI Choirs Development initiative is improving English language proficiency among primary school learners in rural areas. English remains the language of examinations and assessments in South Africa, often creating barriers for learners from non-English-speaking backgrounds. Music and singing have proven to be transformative tools in addressing this challenge, making English more accessible and enjoyable for learners. By incorporating environmental themes into song selections, PSI not only promotes language development but also instills an appreciation for nature and sustainability.

Sifisosethu Primary teachers inspired us by arranging their own Siyacula event in the absence of sufficient funding for PSI Projects to facilitate a group event as usual, at DBCS. Well done to Ntombi and team for their initiative and effort....from little acorns, great trees grow!!

Energizing Educators and Communities

The success of the Weenen camps set a strong foundation for 2025. Already, Wembley College has hosted its first teacher workshop of the year, bringing together educators and principals from participating schools, including Cool Air Secondary, Macongco Primary, Indlovana Primary, and Tholinhlanhla Primary. This collaborative session emphasized planning and energizing teachers through song and celebration, reinforcing their commitment to the program.

The passion demonstrated by the teachers, who willingly dedicated their personal time and embraced challenging conditions to participate in the Weenen camps, is nothing short of inspiring. Their enthusiasm and dedication underscore the transformative power of this initiative.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Change

As we move forward, the PSI Legacy Project remains steadfast in its mission to:

• Use music as a bridge to improve English language proficiency, breaking down barriers for rural learners.

• Foster a deeper understanding of environmental care through thematic song choices.

• Build a community-driven movement that drives awareness and action on critical issues like biodiversity.

The alignment of these goals ensures that the Siyacula Concerts and the PSI Choirs initiative will continue to be powerful platforms for change, engaging not only learners and teachers but also entire communities.

Call to Action for Donors

This vital work is only possible through the generous support of donors like you. Your contributions enable us to host transformative experiences, like the Weenen camps, and to sustain workshops and programs that make a lasting difference. Together, we can:

• Empower more teachers and learners.

• Spread awareness of environmental issues.

• Create a brighter, more sustainable future through music and education.

Join us in amplifying the voices of these young learners and their teachers. Your donations spark a ripple effect of change, reaching far beyond the classroom to transform communities. Thank you!! Let’s make 2025 a year of even greater impact!

Links:

• Teachers on Weenen Nature Reserve Discovery Journey
• Drakensberg Teachers host their own independent Choirs Day
• Wembley College hosts choir prep day & Siyacula Teachers join!

• JLMT Trustees Report to PSI Projects re CVT Camps (PDF)
  
• Participant Report on CVT Environmental Camps (PDF)
  

How grateful we are to those farithful donors who keep supporting what we do...thank you!

At the heart of timber farming country in Kwazulu Natal, on 29 August 2024, the Greytown Siyacula Festival and Concert took place at Wembley College, marking the successful culmination of the Greytown Sakha Umphakathi Legacy Project. This year’s concert featured choirs from Indlovana Primary School, Tholinhlanhla Primary School, Cool Air Middle School, and Macongco Primary School, all of which had been rehearsing diligently for this event. Each choir performed two songs in the competitive component and later joined forces with the Wembley College Middle School Choir to sing an additional two songs as part of a mass choir.

Throughout the day, learners not only showcased their vocal talents but also had the opportunity to attend enriching workshops, including movement, marimba, and vocals. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable, and the event was a testament to the community’s dedication to both music and education. Macongco Primary emerged victorious in the Choral competition, with Cool Air taking a close second. Both Indlovana and Tholinhlanhla Primary Schools gave strong, memorable performances, making the competition tight and exciting for all attendees, discovering and exploring diversity through music.

The event also marked a significant transition in leadership. Earlier in 2024, Marco Coetsee stepped down as Choirs Coordinator for the Greytown Legacy Project, and we were delighted to welcome Siphiwe Mbonambi in his place. Siphiwe, with a background in acting and directing, and a recently completed Masters in Applied Theatre from Wits University, led the rehearsals alongside the dedicated choir masters and teachers, who played a vital role in preparing the choirs.

The Greytown community turned out in full support of the Siyacula Concert, and their presence contributed to the success of the day. The event was generously sponsored by local companies who provided food for learners and teachers, as well as refreshments for our esteemed guests. The concert demonstrated the power of music to bring people together, building stronger bonds between schools, parents, and the broader community. In the words of the incomparable Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel". 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Department of Education, whose officials from Greytown-Umvoti, the Umzinyathi District, and the KwaZulu-Natal Province were present and offered their encouragement and support for the Legacy Project and the concert. Their involvement highlights the importance of this initiative in fostering educational growth and community engagement.

As we look forward to the 2025 Siyacula Concert, we aim to expand the project by including even more schools, especially from rural areas, ensuring that the spirit of unity and musical excellence continues to thrive.

For more on the concert’s coverage, please refer to the article here: Greytown Schools Come Together in Song.

This year’s concert was an incredible success, and we are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, and the community for their unwavering support. Together, we are building a brighter future for these children, one note at a time - "Sakha Umphakathi".

Links:

• Article on the Greytown Siyacula 2024
• Wembley College Facebook Post on Siyacula
• Legacy Project Congratulations' By Cool Air School to Chorister