Simmys Institute of Music, Arts and Culture (Simac)has rolled out a two-week creative music programme aimed at engaging children and youths during the April school holiday.
Dubbed Holiday Music Blast, the initiative will run from 15 to 26 April at Simmys Music Academy in Kawale 2, Lilongwe.
In an interview, Simac director Simeon Mwale said the programme has been designed to equip young people with skills and help them explore their musical talents.
“This initiative was started to help children and youths stay productive during school break, learn valuable skills, and explore their talents in a structured, artistic environment,” he said.
The programme will target 85 participants to ensure each learner receives hands-on instruction and quality attention.
Among others, participants will be taught how to play instruments of their choice and basic lessons on the same.
“We believe in the power of music to transform lives, and that’s why we are offering free training in instruments like drums, violin, piano, guitar, flute or recorder and voice,” he said.
Learners will be drawn from surrounding areas such as Kawale, Area 23, Mchesi, Biwi and Chilinde. However, enrolment is open to any interested child or youth who can access the academy using own resources.
In addition, Simac has partnered with Netsoft Malawi and the Saving Children at Risk Project to provide full tuition scholarships for children and guardians facing financial difficulties.
The initiave will also serve as a foundation for long-term engagement under the project, which provides mind education, life skills, spiritual and arts education, including early childhood music education for vulnerable children.
“We also plan to give these children platforms to perform at recitals and community events. In the long term, we hope to see some of them become future music educators, performers, or ambassadors of the arts in their communities,” he said.
In a separate interview, the project’s marketing officer Thandiwe Jere said the initiative will bring out the talents that children have rather than letting it go to waste.
“We believe this initiative is crucial in helping to hone young talent and allow these children to realise their inborn skills for their development, “ she said.
As sponsors and partners, Jere said they believe the initiative is also important to allow students express themselves using art but also good for their mental health.
