Celebrating a Fruitful Term!

Celebrating a Fruitful Term!
Ntonga Music School has witnessed an incredibly fruitful term -employment of new teachers, formation of two ensembles and participation in several events including Africa Day in Stellenbosch, and air time on Bush Radio in Cape Town.

Reconciliation Day in Delft:

On Wednesday, December 15th, the two ensembles participated in a program in Delft, a twenty minute drive from Guguletu. Organized by the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation (IJR), this event aimed to commemorate the National Day of Reconciliation in South Africa. Nine youth groups from communities across the Cape Flats region were invited to meet in the racially diverse community of Delft. The goal of the event was to celebrate diversity and address reconciliation.

The event opened with a jazz band and dancers performing several traditional numbers. The performance was followed by introductions from members of the IJR educating the audience about the institute and its intention for the day -to unite diverse communities on the Cape Flats around the topic of reconciliation. Following introductions, each audience member took part in a workshop of their choice. Some Ntonga students participated in a poetry workshop, others painted pictures of what they understood reconciliation to look like.

I participated in a workshop looking at images from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This interactive workshop provided a brief history of the conflict unfolding in the DRC. The facilitator, Mariam, then asked the group their perception of the photos. What do the photos tell you about the regions conflict and means to reconcile? The workshop brought forward the elastic definition of reconciliation -spiritual, pragmatic and religious. With participants representing countries across Africa, the conversation was dynamic and rich. It became clear that reconciliation comes down to telling the truth. In South Africa, the Truth and Reconciliation Committee aimed to make transparent crimes committed against humanity. As one man pointed out, most African countries suffering from poor governance lack leaders willing to speak the truth. Without truth and transparency, reconciliation and nation building has limited hope. The conference closed with a couple musical numbers leaving the audience dancing and the room filled with joyous smiles.


Ntonga Music School Party:

Ntonga Music School held a party Friday, December 17th, to celebrate the end of the semester with food, certificates of completion and smiles! In 85F weather, approximately 40 students crowded into Ntonga Music School to feast, play music, receive certificates and rejoice in their accomplishments. To my delight, despite numerous delays in food and the heat, students waited excitedly to receive the first certificates given by the Ntonga Music School. Before presenting certificates, Pokie Klaas spoke to the students thanking them for their hard work. All teachers lined up to make the certificate distribution official. Pokie, with the assistance of all teachers, called out the names of each student. Each teacher got a turn to call students up, shake their hand, and present them with a certificate. Students young and old were beaming with delight as they waited patiently for their names to be called. When their name was called they walked with pride to the front, to receive the certificate acknowledging their hard work and dedication. The event was an important milestone. Pokie’s dream is becoming a reality.

Ntonga Music School will be on break until January 10th.

Ntonga wishes everyone a Happy Holiday Season. More to come in the New Year!


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Summer Jazz Afternoon

I am excited to announce that the ‘Summer Jazz Afternoon’ at Ntonga Music School, was a great success. The event was a fundraiser for more instruments and other basic needs at the school.

To promote the fundraiser, on Friday, November 26th, the Ntonga Music School had an interview at Bush Radio in Woodstock, a suburb outside Cape Town. Pokie, Phyllis, Sam, David, and the girls and boys ensembles were on air for thirty minutes. Phyllis, Sam, and Pokie shared the story of how Ntonga Music School was founded and the intention behind the school. The interviewer from Bush Radio seemed impressed.

The interviews were followed with three numbers from the student ensembles. The ensembles crammed three trumpets, a bass, piano, Djembe (drum), keyboard and saxophone into the broadcast room performing with enthusiasm and excitement. Pokie closed the broadcast by announcing the Summer Jazz Afternoon at Ntonga.

The Summer Jazz Afternoon on Sunday, November 28th, was a soaring success. Phyllis, the treasurer for Ntonga Music School, was the event MC. She started the event with a prayer, followed by thanking people who have contributed to the school, and providing a brief history of Ntonga Music School. The event started at 2pm (African time), and the first two hours featured Ntonga students. Having students display their progress was monumental. The students had a ball. They showcased several numbers captivating the audience with their talent and passion. Several students performed popular jazz standards including Ntyilo Ntiylo, sung by the popular and recently diseased South African singer, Miriam Makeba. The audience was comprised of Ntonga Music School students, youth, parents, community members, and a few international individuals. Following the Ntonga student performances, guest artists took stage "wowing" all with great jazz solos. The event closed with Pokie and his band performing several numbers.

More than raising funds, the event brought exposure to Ntonga Music School and highlighted the talent and passion of Ntonga Music School students. The enthusiasm, enjoyment, and growing commitment of the students and teachers was evident to all.
Stay tuned, Guguletu

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Ntonga Music School LIVE

Ntonga Music School held its first LIVE broadcast last Wednesday, November 17th! Using VSee technology, the Ntonga Music Ensemble connected to the Playing for Change Foundations Band, live in Boston, America. The connection was broadcast on the web bringing in over 700 international viewers. For teachers and Ntonga committee members alike, this was a rare and exciting opportunity to interact with youth in America. The hour long broadcast included a conversation with the Playing for Change Foundations (PFCF) band member, Titi Tsira, from Guguletu, followed by a question and answer session between youth in Boston and youth at Ntonga. The PFCF Band then performed for Ntonga Youth followed by two numbers from the Ntonga Music Schools boys and girls ensemble. The final number included PFCF Band and Ntonga Music School Ensemble performing "Stand by Me," together.

This hour long broadcast offered youth of Ntonga and the surrounding community an opportunity to have a dialogue with youth from another part of the world. For township youth, the media is their primary connection to America. This one way connection can be deceptive. The LIVE broadcast gave Ntonga youth and youth in Boston the opportunity to interact with each other and realize their shared dreams and goals.

For those unable to see the LIVE Broadcast, a recording will be available shortly.

More soon, Guguletu

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Ntonga Encourages New Chapters in the Lives of Youth

In preparing for the live VSee broadcast to the United States scheduled for this coming Wednesday, members of the Ntonga Music School Ensemble have met several evenings this week to rehearse. It is exciting to witness them learn new musical phrasing, rhythms, harmonies and have FUN! Dave Robain, the saxophone and flute teacher, with the assistance of Sticks and Pokie, dedicates his time to organize, inspire, encourage and support the youth involved in the girls and boys
ensemble. As their sound improves, the youth can feel new possibilities for writing a different chapter in their lives.

Before the ensemble met yesterday afternoon, Dave had an informal conversation with the teenagers about some other tough topics; the issues of HIV or AIDS, relationships, sex and love. Conversations of this nature are important for any youth group, but with the HIV or AIDS rate in South Africa, these conversations are essential for the possibility of writing a different history for the current generation of South African youth. Many youth engaged in the conversation felt the government, unfortunately, encourages sex. In South Africa,"you can live for decades with the disease if you can afford the medication," one student said. For another teenager, born and raised in Uganda, his understanding of HIV or AIDS is very different. Most victims die within a month, as the cost of medication leaves them to suffer without an alternative for treatment.

When Dave asked, "do you guys know your 'status' and has anyone seen an AIDS victim in their last days?" A few students nodded. That visual experience can be a startling awakening. In South Africa, like the United States (medication is provided to keep those infected with HIV or AIDS alive for a longer time.) Medication enables residents living with HIV or AIDS to live a relatively normal life in South Africa. White tents on Saturday afternoons are the only indication of the number of township residents dying from the potent disease. White tents are used on Saturday's to house funerals. The student from Uganda reminded other students, "when I came from Uganda in 2004, white tents were on almost every street in the township on Saturday afternoons." Because South Africans living with HIV or AIDS can keep their life relatively normal, the social and physical cost of the disease remains relatively unnoticed. Without exposure, youth don’t realize the seriousness of HIV or AIDS.

One effective means of teaching is bringing youth to a clinic to witness the real physical effect of AIDS. Dave tours the world. "Before each tour I am tested." My life depends on remaining HIV negative. For Ntonga youth, they must understand the serious consequence of HIV or AIDS. Some may go on to travel the world. However, living in the HIV or AIDS capital is of great risk to their dreams and goals.

What young adults need is someone willing to discuss the topic of safe sex. One youth noted, "I was lucky to have a friend who told me I don’t need to do it to be cool." The youth were very engaged throughout the conversation. Dave reminded the youth to respect and care for one another. He stated, "I was fortunate to receive love and encouragement from my parents." Not all youth are that fortunate, he reminded the group. "Be kind to one another, be there for one another, encourage each other. Change the way people see you and begin to think independently." Lastly, he reminded all young men to treat women right. He told them his perceptions of women. Women must deal with many challenges; menstruation, childbirth, keeping the family together, and sometimes, physical abuse. Women are the pillars of society. They shape us, we must cherish, respect and appreciate them.

By opening this conversation, youth received the support to think for themselves and consider their own behavior. These ideas will influence the next chapter of their and South African history. Those willing to reflect and question the system are able to truly understand a new element of freedom.


More soon, Guguletu

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"Man in the Mirror"

The life skills course opened this Saturday with two questions: "What does life skills mean to you and what knowledge do you seek from this course?" Facilitated by Sam Pono and I,this course aims to attract teenagers vulnerable to the allures of street life. While some are not students at Ntonga, this course serves to educate and support youth in making good life choices.

In speaking with teenagers we create a space for dialogue. Their definitions of life skills included "how you see yourself," "how you behave," and "skills to guide how a human handles him/herself." Each teen shared.

Pokie said, "Be self, know self, respect self." This seemed like an important declaration. As the founder, Pokie sets the example for all who enter and study at Ntonga. His participation enables him to engage with and teach the youth.

In asking what each student sought from the course, Thembele, currently studying saxophone answered, "learn discipline, learn more and know more," while Xolisa, a fourteen year old boy unable to attend weekly lessons at Ntonga said, "I want to learn more about music because I love music." Mphumzi, an exuberant drummer, answered, "I want to play like others to give to others," and Prince, a current bass student at Ntonga, expressed his desire to learn how to better behave himself.

Their participation during this session was encouraging. While only the first time for several, they jumped in, sharing their thoughts freely and engaging in conversation with their peers.

Most rewarding was ending the session with a song and “take home” message from "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson. Magadien, who spoke two weeks earlier, recommended as a music school we use music to teach the life skills course. This song speaks about personal challenges and calls each individual to make change their responsibility. Like Gandhi's words "Be the change you wish to see in the world," "Man in the Mirror" reminded the group to look in the mirror for the change they seek.

After playing this song, I asked the students to share what they felt or thought while listening. I asked "whose the man in the mirror?" Khanyisa, a seventeen year old girl who studies piano and recently took up drums responsded, its you! "We must make the change we seek." The group nodded. I reminded them that they are responsible for their own happiness and they must take responsibility to make changes in their own lives, not waiting for others or substances to become a "fix."

More soon, Guguletu

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1. www.playingforchange.org

New Organizational Promise

Building a music school in the heart of a township in post-apartheid South Africa is inspiring. More importantly, it promises a new future for those willing to dream.

Conducting research on the legacy of apartheid in South Africa did not adequately prepare me for the lifestyle of people in the township. Newspaper articles analyzing social and physical limitations for residents’ were merely a glimpse of reality. As the eleventh largest slum globally, the Cape Flats is 15km from a wealthy city. The stark contrast is shameful.

This was my belief when I boarded a flight to South Africa July 20th, 2010. Today, three months later, the reality of township lifestyle and way of thinking forces me to write a new chapter. As a community organizer at Ntonga Music School in Guguletu, I must learn to collaborate with a different set of beliefs and values. While challenging, I have learned more in three months than all of my earlier studies and living.

To my excitement, I took part in a successful committee and teachers meetings this past week at Ntonga Music School. Both encouraged communication and solidarity building. The meetings made clear the aim and intention of the school.

At the end of the day, it is about the kids.

Working at Ntonga involves a steep learning curve for me. While there is much progress; productive meetings, increase in student numbers, the formation of a youth ensemble and venues for getting the youth performance opportunities outside the township, the school still lacks the necessary organization to run smoothly day to day.

Dave Robain, the saxophone and flute teacher, offers new organizational promise for the school. He was elected by the Ntonga Music School Committee as head of Music and facilitator for teachers meetings. This past Thursday, Ntonga Music teachers met and agreed more organization and discipline is key to the schools continued progress. Friday, these agreements went into action. Each lesson time was designated to a specific private room, students not studying were guided away from disturbing those receiving instruction, and teachers were checked for promptness. Following ensemble rehearsal from 4-5:30p.m., Dave and I, with the support of David, Pokie and Sticks, spoke to the youth about the new plan. Starting Monday, a notice board located in the main room at the school will clearly indicate what music classes are occurring on that day and where the classes will be taking place. As a team, we expect students to be ON time to their lessons and sign a registration form to show their attendance. This new organizational collaboration is a breakthrough! Together our teachers, board members, volunteers, and students better understand their roles in helping the school run more smoothly

Stay tuned, Ntonga Music School.

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The Power of Choice

Magadien Wentzel is a celebrity in Manenberg Township today. Yet things were not always this way. His story is one of spiritual and psychological transformation. Born during apartheid and given away at birth, he became a gangster.

This past Saturday he came to the life skills course at the Ntonga Music School to educate the youth about making choices. Raised in District Six, a mixed race suburb outside Cape Town, as a youth, the gun was all he knew. Outraged by the white man and apartheid regime at age 20, he CHOSE the life of a gangster becoming a member of the 28's Gang. He became one of the most powerful and feared gang leaders in South Africa. In August 1999, a tornado on the Cape Flats destroyed his home but spared his son. This moment changed his mindset. He realized God was watching over him giving him a second chance in life. He chose to leave the 28's Gang and give up everything, including his wife who left him for another 28's Gang member.

His intention at Ntonga Music School on Saturday was to support and educate youth to make the right life choices.

He told the Ntonga Youth that everyone has the right to make their own choices. The stick you wielded yesterday will be a gun today and a prison cell tomorrow. "I chose prison, a 25 year sentence. The truth is, jail is a waste of time." Unfortunately many people dont know what they want, and make the wrong choices. He then asked certain students "who are you and what do you want?" These questions invited the students to think and reflect for themselves.


He believes the key to life is knowing oneself and having love and respect for the self. A person with self respect will gain love and respect from others. When speaking to youth he asks questions to encourage youth to take responsibility for their lives and define for themselves right from wrong. Following his release from prison in 2003, some wanted him dead. His commitment to projects like Fatherhood Project, has granted him respect within his community. Today he is committed to supporting youth in turning their lives around. Using his life as an example, he advises youth seeking guidance, to find an alternative to guns and drugs.

The Ntonga Music School hopes to collaborate with Magadien in equipping Ntonga Youth and the course facilitators with skills to expand and enhance teaching. Educating youth educates a community and empowers the next generation of South Africans.

More to come, stay tuned.

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www.playingforchange.org

New Ensembles and Parental Support at Ntonga

Working with and teaching youth at Ntonga Music School has been one of the most inspiring and rewarding life opportunities. Coming to work in a township after graduating from college has offered a completely new perspective on life. It has both redefined my way of looking at the world and my own goals and ambitions.

Last Monday, the Ntonga Music School Committee and teachers held their second meeting. It was valuable to have teachers share what they see working and where improvements are necessary at the school. Space and privacy for individual lessons remain an immediate challenge. While class organization and assessing student progress has yet to fall in place, Dave Robain, a hard working organized teacher, is spearheading a teachers meeting to address these issues directly. This way teachers are encouraged and trusting in resolving current challenges.

The formation of an ensemble two weeks back has given wings to students and new energy to the entire school. Organized by Dave, and Pokie, the ensemble meets Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons encouraging students to collaborate and find their sound in an ensemble. The youngest member, Mphumzi, age ten, plays percussion with energy! Luyanda, a fourteen year old trumpet student, has found his sound and surprises himself each rehearsal with his ability to improvise. This ensemble gives all involved new confidence and invites youth to admire and draw inspiration from their peers.

Last Saturday, October 16th, the ensemble participated in Africa Day in Stellenbosch. The Ntonga Music Ensemble performed on a stage in an amphitheater. The ensemble made Ntonga proud! Performing four songs, the audience of youth and adults were enthused and entertained by their energetic sound. Most importantly, the ensemble members had a blast and asked during the drive back to Guguletu, "when is our next performance?!"

Monday was a parents meeting. Five parents showed at 6pm. Each member of the Ntonga Music School Committee and the teachers who were present spoke to the parents. We told them this school seeks to give youth an alternative to the allures of the streets. The meeting served to clarify this school is a safe space where their children can come and learn an instrument of their choice and get the opportunity to study with great musicians. We also called on them to encourage their child's attendance and be involved in the school in a way that works for them. Each parent responded with appreciation, understanding and gratitude. We hope to have frequent meetings to connect with the parents. This will help make our school a sustainable community space producing a future of talented, confident individuals that can serve as role models for their community.

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Knowledge is Power

Last Saturday members of the Ntonga Music School Committee shared what they considered to be necessary life skills. It was invaluable to hear the perspectives of a different generation of black men and women.

Derrick, an Ntonga Music School Committee member, emphasized the importance of role-models. He spoke about how the township lacks role models. The current generation of youth are sorely frustrated. Lacking reliable teachers and supportive parents and guardians, youth turn to gangs for acceptance and drugs to heal inner pain and frustration. While the situation is much more complex, the fundamental problem is youth dont take initiative and older generations remain in an apartheid mindset, disillusioned and hopeless.

The life skills course encourages youth to become agents of their own destiny through self reflection. Through awareness youth are invited to recognize they themselves are the change they have been waiting for.

David, another committee member, spoke about the issue of abuse and what it means to "cross the line." The life skills course is designed to raise awareness about the concept of abuse. As facilitators we do not seek to tell youth what to do. Rather, we aim to equip youth with the necessary knowledge to make educated choices.


Today, I was asked to facilitate the life-skills course in Sam's absence. The topic of the day, was the "Pursuit of Happiness." After spending considerable time gathering a group of fifteen, I encouraged the youth to define what happiness meant to them and share their methods of cultivating happiness in their own lives. I opened the session by asking, "who seeks happiness." Most hands quickly shot up. I then asked, "what do you do to attain happiness?" I was grateful to find several students name playing an instrument as one means to attain happiness. While the younger students remained quiet throughout the class, a few teenagers shared personal information opening to their peers about their weaknesses, life struggles and how they are dealing with these issues. One student admitted to seeing a counselor and being unsure of the means to maintain happiness. Another student expressed feelings of uncertainty in dealing with feelings that are too difficult to confide in a friend. This openness created a dialogue of understanding and greater trust. It is good to see students receptive to, and participating in, this course.

A guest speaker is scheduled for next Saturday, so stay tuned.
Ntonga Music School, Guguletu!

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Visions Aligning

Every structure requires a foundation.

Since coming to Ntonga, implementing a solid structure has been a primary focus. I am excited to report the schools foundation is structurally progressing and its participants visions, aligning!

In the past two weeks, key persons in the Ntonga Board have taken new steps enforcing student sign in sheets, and teacher signatures, to maintain concrete records of music classes in progress.

To my excitement young new faces walk through the doors of Ntonga Music School daily. A recorder class was launched three weeks back now thanks to the ideas and encouragment of two American music teachers, Nellie and Karmella, who visited and assessed the needs of the school. This class gives youth the opportunity to pursue an instrument and explore their own musical sound.

While there is no piano teacher in place currently, youth show up each day giving the teachers and me hope and inspiration. In the afternoon, students wait in line to teach themselves on the piano and keyboard with assistance from Pokie and his daughter, Onke. Since the Ntonga Board assessed CV's, two new teachers, Sticks on percussion and Dave on saxohpone, have started teaching weekly. Their energy adds a new element of inspiration, dedictaion and humor (at moments) to the school.

The third "Life-Skills Course" took place last Saturday. Each week new faces join and new ideas circulate. Student participation brings life and meaning to each session and encourages engagement and new levels of learning and understanding.

A Ntonga Board and teachers meeting is scheduled for this coming Monday.

New ideas, hope and inspiration continue to emerge as the school progresses sustainably forward.

More soon, Guguletu.

To return to PFCF main page or make a donation, click on the below link:
www.playingforchange.org

The Meaning of Life:

Last Saturday, youth at Ntonga convened for the second life-skills course. This meeting connected youth in a circle of sharing. To my excitement, the number of students attending doubled from the first session. With a confident facilitator, each class encourages youth to share feelings and thoughts and interact with one another.

This week the course focused on defining the words life and skills. Sam asked each student to contribute his/her thoughts. Hearing their answers inspired me. Honesty, understanding right from wrong, and knowing what and who you are were some ideas presented. While many youth taking this course are using drugs and some are involved in local gangs, their ability to acknowledge and formulate their own opinion on what “life” means to them, is central to making real change.

Sam defined skills as, having a mode of self-expression. For youth dedicated to learning an instrument their discipline and focus at the school is central to their life success! With a skill, youth are on the path towards self-agency.

Youth seek role models to inspire them. When asked to share my thoughts I reminded each student, that they are ultimately the agents of their own destiny. It is too easy to fall victim to the streets in an environment where opportunity is sorely lacking. I therefore feel tremendously grateful to help facilitate this course. It is a step in the right direction inspiring and empowering youth at the source of the problem.

Stay tuned, Ntonga.

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www.playingforchange.org

Life Skills Course-Building a Sustainable Future!

Youth are the foundation of the future. Sadly, in South Africa, education is not a priority leaving thousands of youth feeling hopeless and frustrated. At the Ntonga Music School, Pokie and Sam, two board members, are taking action to empower teenagers.

This past Saturday I participated in the first "Life-Skills Course." Sam the creator and teacher has travelled internationally and feels thankful to have the chance to offer youth of his own country the same skills and knowledge. Being present at the introductory meeting, it was incredibly rewarding to see teenagers from Guguletu interested in this course and committing to making changes in their own life. Living within a post apartheid environment and mindset, youth seeking happiness and belonging join gangs and use drugs. Sam used the introduction time to remind youth, that these external stimuli bring BRIEF pleasure with negative consequences. Those present nodded in acknowledgement. Each teenageer was asked to make a verbal agreement to pursue music as a mode of seeking happiness and working towards a healthy and sustainble future for themselves

Sam asked me to speak briefly after introducing the course himself. This was an incredible opportunity to let these teenagers know that we are all in this together --drugs, gangs and life challenges are not confined to one nation or one skin color!!

I felt my contribution mattered and everyone in the room came closer to understanding themselves, recognizing the vulnerable environment they live in and that they are the agents of their own destiny.

Hope and love from Ntonga, Guguletu!

To return to PFCF main page or make a donation, click on the below link:
www.playingforchange.org

Community Day and More

My journey at Ntonga Music School and in Guguletu has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life.

In the past five weeks, I have learned slowly but surely to accept and move with the slow pace of life in Gugs and the environment at the school. During the week, I attend evening art events where I find inspiration in youth performing music and dance. On August 25th Titi, Khosi, and I, attended Artscape in Cape Town. This performance featured youth dance and music ensembles from Cape Town suburbs and townships neighboring Guguletu. This performance inspired me. Seeing talented kids ages 6-18 on stage dancing, singing and playing in ensembles reminded me of the incredible potential and talent that is possible to unleash at Ntonga Music School. While the direction of the school and board members must be shifted to support the progress of students, the excitement found on kids faces who come to learn at Ntonga is a reminder of the power music holds in the lives of youth.

Currently the Ntonga Board and myself, are in the process of assessing CV's with the intention to introduce new teachers and instruments at the school. Getting new teachers involved at Ntonga Music School promises a positive outcome. New teachers will bring fresh energy to the school inspiring and encouraging youth attendance and progress.

On Sunday, August 22nd, the Ntonga Board and myself organized a Community Day. The purpose of the event was to increase student numbers. While the weather was foreboding, several ensembles from Ntonga performed and a dance group from a neighboring township played marimbas, sang and danced.

As an outsider, I have recently faced roadblocks where my goals and Pokie’s goals, the founder and visionary of the school, do not align. This is frustrating. Yet I believe the vision of the Playing for Change Foundation, to connect youth through music, has the love and positive energy to overcome the obstacles at the school. With support from the Playing for Change Foundation, progress and potential is vast.

With the word spreading about the school, and classes I see much potential in student numbers increasing. With school teachers on strike possibly through the month of September this is a perfect time to target youth and increase numbers at the school. Thus, I remain excited and hopeful as I continue connecting with local artists and musicians interested in studying at the school and spreading the word. There is so much love, hope, and opportunity at Ntonga.

Stay tuned. Guguletu, South Africa.

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www.playingforchange.org

Week Three: Progress and Potential

The last two weeks have been hectic, hard but happening. In the second week I began defining key challenges at the school. The school currently has two main and accountable teachers and Pokie the visionary and director at the school. With the help of Titi, a Playing for Change Band member, and resident of Guguletu, I connected with local musicians and began to envision the potential at the school.

I love the vibrant life in Guguletu. Though I get odd looks as a white woman in a black township the communities around the school are becoming accustomed to my face. They smile, wave or gesture in recognition and respect.

I feel blessed to have the opportunity to explore Guguletu with Titi. A fun experience last week included doing outreach for the school and Community Day currently postponed to August 22nd. Titi and I walked for an hour flyering. We taped our ad to our shirts. Kids, women, men, store managers and more looked at us with curious faces as we walked through the streets, laughing and talking under the African sun. These experiences enable me to explore Guguletu, meet local kids and enjoy the afternoon vibe outside the school parameters.

This week has tested my resilience. To my chagrin the current Ntonga Music School board meets my suggestions with reluctance. This is partially due to my position as a young American. More importantly, the board wants to do things their way. Unfortunately going at their pace it would take months to accomplish what is possible within a few weeks.

Following a week of board meetings and challenging conversations the board has decided to put out an ad and open the school to new music teachers. Hhaving young, engagin teachers with the energy, inspiration and vision to bring the school to its fullest potential, is KEY.

The next few weeks will be exciting. Introducing new teachers and increasing student numbers is the beginning of something great!

More to come.

Guguletu, South Africa.

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www.playingforchange.org

My return to the Ntonga Music School has marked a week of opportunities, musical moments and challenging moments. As most remember, I studied at the University of Cape Town last spring volunteering at the Ntonga Music School every Sunday morning. This experience inspired my thesis in which I researched the Legacy of Apartheid in South Africa, with a focus on the Cape Flats, (the region where this school is located).

Returning to the Ntonga Music School has been a true joy. Having taught two teenage boys to play harp every Sunday in spring 2009, I had hoped to return to the school following my gradutation from UC Berkeley. The Playing for Change Foundation gave me this opportunity.

My current job includes doing outreach for the school, looking to create a creative structure at the school, teaching harp to eager students, and supporting the school in making their musical vision a reality. However, this vision does not come without challenges.

Having visited the school weekly last spring, being at the school seven hours a day, Monday-Friday offers a completely different perspective on township life. Upon departing at 5pm daily, I often find men and woman where they were when I arrived at 10am that morning. Unemployment is one explanation for this lifestyle.

Coming to Guguletu Township from a college lifestyle, is a 360 degree change in pace. I am accustomed to a fast pace life. When arriving at the school, Pokie, the school visionary, and director, is often listening to music and hanging out. This is something I am not used to. It is Cape Town time plus Cape Flats time. S-L-O-W.

With the World Cup and school just starting, most students dont arrive for lessons until 3pm. I arrive daily around 10am. Waiting for their arrival while busying myself with other tasks is totally worth it. When the children arrive, the faces of excitment and eagerness are fabulous. While there is much to be done in organizing lessons, kids are eager to learn harp, play drums, guitar, piano, trumpet and more. Most of the students embrace the instruments with focus, passion, and excitement.

While I am working to get morning classes in session, I currently teach a 16-year-old boy in the morning, harp. He left school last year but is very focused and hard working. He arrives promptly for his 11:30 lesson, demonstrating enthusiasm at this opportunity to learn. Though not currently attending school, he spends his days listening to music recordings and studying music. The time he spends at the Ntonga Music School gives him daily structure in his life.

He is an example of the positive and empowering role music holds in the lives of youth.

While there are many things to address at the school, the potential is incredibly exciting.

More to come!

To return to PFCF main page or make a donation, click on the below link:
www.playingforchange.org

Fabulous First Day

Waking to sunny skies and a view of Table Mountain signaled the beginning to a great day.

My morning included a visit to the University of Cape Town Campus, (UCT) where I studied abroad in spring 2009. This was preceded by running into local South and Southern African friends made during my studies. These events confirmed the realness of my return.

I was drawn to include this image taken near UCT campus. Ufundo is an important concept for Xhosa speaking communities. The idea of collectively working together and being responsibility is a key ingredient to the success and sustainability of the Ntonga Music School built in the Xhosa speaking township of Guguletu.

An afternoon visit to Green Market Square, in Cape Towns city center was a rewarding afternoon venture. Similar to my memory, it was packed with African artists from across the continent selling goods from rock carvings to paintings and musical instruments. After meandering like a typical tourists I spotted a man in his mid thirties who was selling paintings and Djembe's, (the West African Drum). He was sitting playing the Djembe . To my excitement he embraced the opportunity to teach a foreign musician basic rhythms, giving me a 30-minute lesson. In explaining the purpose of my time in Cape Town, we exchanged contact information and he offered to visit Ntonga Music School and teach on occasion. Meeting a Senegalese Native with a passion and knowledge for West African Music, filled me with excitement. Yet another music connection and new possibility for music collaboration!

My eventful day finished in a meeting with Jason and his girlfriend Caroline. Jason is a member of the Playing for Change Foundation Band and Caroline does weekly visits to the Ntonga Music School. She gave me an update on the school sharing her thoughts and concerns and allowing me to share my vision for the school. All the while keeping in mind my role is to act as a guiding force at the school. At the end of the day understanding and supporting what the Ntonga School Board wants, is my highest priority. To my excitement, she informed me that Pokie is eagerly awaiting my return inquiring weekly during her past few visits, "has Amelia arrived yet!?"

To return to PFCF main page or make a donation, click on the below link:
www.playingforchange.org

A Delightful Return!

I was filled with exultation as the plane made its final descent into Cape Town. A year since departing, with a thesis on the Legacy of Apartheid in hand, I am returning to a country that inspires my efforts to work for greater social justice. Here I am continuing my work with the Ntonga Music School, a community which has blessed me with its passion and dedication to music and youth.

My return to Cape Town brings new feelings of excitement. I have spent the past two months preparing for my time in Cape Town. Today I found myself here at last with a cell phone in hand, a rental car parked outside, and my own beautiful room with a view of the infamous Table Mountain. As I begin my work at the Ntonga Music School I wholeheartedly look forward to observing the community and supporting them in creating the space they envision. Through this process I hope to witness the schools continued development.

To return to PFCF main page or make a donation, click on the below link:
www.playingforchange.org