Overview of project
Since 2003 the Project has thrived and experienced considerable success. It has received broad support from all sectors of the Hout Bay community. The Project has grown considerably since its humble beginnings and now provides music and arts tuition through a number of sub-projects.
The Project teaches music, mainly string instruments, voice and drumming, to approximately 60 children from the historically disadvantaged communities of Hangberg Harbour Village and Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay.Life orientation programmes which deal aims to address issues of self esteem, HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy
At present we have 4 part-time teacher facilitators and one full-time teacher / facilitator. The project venue is the Community Cultural Center.
There is a pressing need for both recreational facilities, extra mural activities in these communities. Class attendance has doubled in the past year, necessitating the employment of a larger venue, more equipment, more teacher facilitators and increased administrative costs.
The Senior Performing Project is rapidly gaining a reputation for quality performances at concerts and functions and have been invited to perform music for other successful projects like the Jikeleza Dancers at the Artscape theatre on several occasions.
Vision
The project aims to provide opportunities to children from previously disadvantaged communities to express their musical talents within a supportive learning environment thereby developing and expressing their true potential.
Why the Project was initiated
A need was identified in Imizamo Yethu and later the Harbor area in Hout Bay, Western Cape, South Africa for the formal music education of the community’s children. In February 2003, the Project began when a Hout Bay music teacher, Leanne Dollman, brought together a small group of children form Imizamo Yethu for violin lessons. The Project aims to redress the historic imbalances of the past in which black children were denied opportunities to express their musical potential.
Sustainability
Since the establishment of the Project enormous support has been received from the community, fees from performances, foreign donors and local donors. Whilst this support sustains the project to operate at a micro level, the demand for the project now necessitates that serious donor funding is received. It is anticipated that the project will also receive funding from government structures.
Different Projects
The Project consists of different sub projects. These are:
1. Senior Performing Project
2. Junior Performing Project
3. Violin Project
4. Cello Project
5. Voices, Dance and Drums Project
6. Music Theory Project
7. Life Orientation Project
The Electric Violin and Cello Project and Life Orientation Project are new projects which will commence in 2006.
Why is it worth supporting
The Project aims to provide opportunities to children from previously disadvantaged communities to express their previously marginalized cultures through music and the performing arts.
The Project is a vehicle of social upliftment and change. It allows for fundamental communication between individuals.
The Project promotes whole child development by providing the opportunity to participate in performing arts as these opportunities are not provided at their local school.
Supports skills transfer and capacity building by providing a real opportunity to those who are talented to enter the performing arts as a career.
Contact Us
E-mail: Leanne Dollman at hbmusic@telkomsa.net
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