Simmys Institute of Music, Arts and Culture (Simac) is set to hold a Festive Charity Concert in Lilongwe on December 29 to impact on lives of vulnerable youths in the country through education and arts.
Through the concert, the institute aims to raise funds to support initiatives that provide scholarships, mentorship programmes and mind education to orphans, street children and people with disabilities.
In an interview, Simac founder Simeon Mwale said the goal is to empower young people by equipping them with skills to be active citizens.
“We want to help and improve the lives of underprivileged youths and prepare them for brighter future so that they can contribute to their communities’ development,” he said.
Mwale said that the focus on arts and cultural education is meant to address gaps in access, preservation of Malawi’s cultural heritage, and shift societal perceptions of arts.
“The aim is to support more talented youths, celebrate our traditions and highlight the role of arts in personal growth, community development and creating opportunities,” he said.
The funds raised will support scholarships through Simac music and arts schools Simmys Music Academy (SMA) and Simmys School of Arts and Culture (Sisac), including mentorship programmes under its Saving Children at Risk Project. It will provide life skills training and mind education to help youths overcome challenges and realise their potential.
Taddja Nkhonjera of Mwezi Arts said the event will help create a world of equal opportunities considering that some people are unable to pay for education in arts.
“There will always be those that have the talent and the passion to pursue careers in the arts, but are unable to afford the fees,” he said.
In a separate interview, First Class Academy director Richard Nyirenda said the fact that the concert focuses
on the transformative power of arts and cultural education is worth the support.
“Such initiatives not only contribute to the growth of the creative industry, but also ensure the preservation and celebration of our cultural heritage for future generations,” he added.
Simac is an interdisciplinary institution that strives to provide access to high-quality education in arts, culture and life skills.
