Marimba training, 150 kids, Alexandra Township

The past few months have been nothing short of inspiring for our Marimba Project. From welcoming new team members to launching inclusive Hubs and reconnecting with schools across the Northern Cape, we’ve been reminded again and again of the joy and power that music brings - especially when it’s placed in the hands of young people.

We kicked off the year on a high note by welcoming a very special new addition to the Marimba team: Rocko! His journey with Education Africa began in 2022 as part of our very first alumni group, and today, he’s come full circle, stepping into a formal role with the project. Rocko has been teaching marimba at MCK Special School, one of our inclusive Hubs for learners with special needs, and his dedication has helped breathe new life into the programme there. It’s such a joy to see someone who was once a student in our pilot now mentoring others. Rocko embodies the kind of growth and transformation we hope to see in every Hub. We’re so proud to have him on board!

March brought with it two beautiful moments of celebration: the launch of two new Marimba Hubs made possible through funding from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). These Hubs are rooted in inclusion, creativity, and the belief that every child, regardless of ability, should have access to the joys of music education.

On 7 March, we officially launched a brand-new Hub at Futura School in Johannesburg South, a school that supports learners with Autism and Severe Intellectual Abilities. And what a launch it was! Futura’s own marimba band kicked things off with an uplifting performance that set the tone for the day. The celebration continued with a spontaneous jam session between our team and the learners. The talent and courage of these young musicians was simply unforgettable.

Just a week later, on 14 March, we were in Kimberley for another powerful launch, this time at Re-Tlameleng Special School, which works with learners who are blind, partially sighted, and hard of hearing. This Hub opening was filled with warmth and a shared sense of purpose, as other Marimba Hubs in the region came together in celebration. Performances from learners at Herlear Primary and Endeavour Primary added to the atmosphere, reminding us that the Marimba Project is more than a music programme - it’s a community built on collaboration, inclusion, and shared joy.

In April, we packed up our mallets and headed out on a site visit to Kimberley and Taung, where the energy on the ground was electric. Schools were alive with enthusiasm, proud to showcase their progress and eager to explore what’s next. We had the chance to check in with familiar faces, meet new teachers, and see the marimba spirit thriving across so many spaces.

What stood out most during the trip was the clear appetite for growth. Many schools expressed interest in the upcoming 40-hour marimba training happening in June, and several have already identified teachers ready to join. Schools like Herlear, Sacred Heart, and Pampierstad are leading the way, with strong leadership and a clear vision for how marimba can be integrated more deeply into the school culture. Not just as an extracurricular activity, but as something woven into the daily rhythm of learning.

We also started planting the seeds for Hartfees 2025, with conversations around teacher engagement workshops and wider participation already underway. The potential is immense, and we left the site visits feeling energised, connected, and deeply moved by the resilience and passion of everyone we met.

All in all, the first few months of the year have reminded us that music is not just a subject, it’s a language, a bridge, a spark. It connects communities, builds confidence, and brings young people into their own power. We’re so grateful to every partner, school, and student who is part of this journey.