Maraval Rotary, La Seiva primary in concert

This was evidenced last month when the Rotary Club of Maraval formally handed over musical instruments to the school, solidifying its music education ambitions. Acting principal Ben Niles proudly received the items on behalf of the students and faculty.

At a simple, but eventful ceremony held at the school, Rotarians cemented their 18-month courtship with the school, which began with the executive’s decision to pay the salary of a music teacher. It continued with the formalising of the music programme which achieved many positives to date - the formation of the school’s choir and music band.

It came as no surprise that the budding entertainers were eager to show their gratitude, which took the form of an enlivening performance. The song All That I Am was delivered by the junior music band, while the senior outfit rendered the selection Love One Another.

The two-song repertoire was performed under the direction of music teacher Jeanine Ruiz and music co-ordinator Ayanna Joseph.

The Rotary Club of Maraval found a willing partner in the People Bridge Charitable Foundation of Toronto, Canada when it set out to acquire music supplies for La Seiva RC Primary School. Two digital keyboards, six music stands, one cuatro, microphone board stand, keyboard amplifier, six guitar hangers and education music charts to cultivate future music maestros were among the furnishings that now occupied the music room.

When Mary Charles, the Rotary’s project chairman undertook the project, she was keen to communicate that music was to be a way of life at the school, rather than a past time. So when officials at the educational institution advanced a request for a designated music room and air-conditioned, the club raised and invested $60,000 to ensure this was realised.

Rabindra Outar, assistant district governor, north clubs lauded the initiative by the Rotary Club of Maraval, citing that it covered two of the six of pillars of Rotary International: economic and community development and basic education and literacy “Musical training helps develop language and reasoning, also teamwork, a sense of achievement, better self-confidence and musical instruments can teach discipline and of course, can be relaxing. Who knows what the future brings? Your school may produce another Machel Montano, Calypso Rose or even Harry Belafonte, all of whom took our local calypso to the international stage,” he said.

Outar continued, “This year, out theme is Rotary Serving Humanity.

Our Rotary International president John Germ says, the most worthwhile thing a person can do is serving humanity.

Everyone should also look for an opportunity to change the world for the better, whether it is by providing clean water to underprivileged communities, promoting peace in conflict areas or strengthening communities through basic education and literacy.”