Fitzgerald Simfukwe mixes music with charity

Mzuzu’ reggae musician Fitzgerald Simfukwe and his Meditators Band have embarked on a project to raise funds for needy primary school learners through music performances.

The project begins with a show on July 24 at Sunbird Mzuzu where the venue has been provided for free. Funds raised during the show will go towards the support of six orphaned children at Chibavi Primary School in Mzuzu.

“It has been a long-time dream to implement this project. Now it’s the time to fulfil this dream,” said Simfukwe in an interview.

He said the band will be going around in schools, mostly in rural areas, to identify the most vulnerable learners for support. He said the support will be in form of school uniform, bathing and washing soap and learning materials.

Simfukwe said he has observed that children in rural areas, who may be intelligent, fail to do better in class due to poverty or lack of exposure to various learning materials or equipment.

“We want to raise at least K50 000 for every child we identify. After the initial support, we will be following them up to monitor their progress in education. Where need be, we will be offering part-time lessons to make sure that they excel just like their counterparts in urban areas who have the luxury of various equipment and materials,” he said.

Simfukwe said as musicians, they have a role to play in the development of the nation. He said the initiative is one way he has thought it fit to contribute to society.

“Most children drop out of school due to problems they face at home. We want to keep them in school so that in future they become productive members of the country,” he said.  n