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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