By Siphiwe Mbonambi | PSI Legacy Project; Choirs Coordinator
The PSI Legacy Project for Choirs Development in Schools continues to demonstrate its profound impact on learners, teachers, and communities, integrating music and environmental themes to foster meaningful change. We continue to appreciate deeply your contribution to this impact. Last year’s final activation (December 2024) was a resounding success, featuring two weekend camps at the Weenen Nature Reserve. These camps, designed to inspire and educate teacher choir conductors, focused on the critical issue of biodiversity and regenerative agriculture.
A Transformative Experience in Biodiversity Awareness and Regenerative Agriculture
Led by the dedicated Peter Ardington of the Jonny Lowe Memorial Trust and generously funded by the PSI Legacy Project, and nominal contributions made by Teachers and Schools for transport and accomodation, these weekends offered a unique opportunity for teacher choir conductors to connect deeply with nature. The purpose was twofold:
To enhance teachers’ understanding of biodiversity, nature conservation, regenrative agriculture and environmental care.
To align their teaching with PSI’s thematic focus on these issues, equipping them to engage learners with greater conscientiousness through song and discussion.
The immersive experience, which started with an informative brief on the value of sustainable/ regenerative agriculture practices at Mearns Fram in Mooi River and then went on to camping in the wilderness and exploring the restoration story of Weenen Nature Reserve, left a lasting impression. Once a desolate landscape ravaged by overgrazing, Weenen has transformed into a thriving habitat supporting significant wildlife. This powerful example of environmental recovery underscored the potential for positive change when awareness and action align. Teachers left the camp inspired, prepared to carry these lessons forward into their classrooms and communities in 2025.
Strengthening Commitment Through Music
A key aspect of the PSI Choirs Development initiative is improving English language proficiency among primary school learners in rural areas. English remains the language of examinations and assessments in South Africa, often creating barriers for learners from non-English-speaking backgrounds. Music and singing have proven to be transformative tools in addressing this challenge, making English more accessible and enjoyable for learners. By incorporating environmental themes into song selections, PSI not only promotes language development but also instills an appreciation for nature and sustainability.
Sifisosethu Primary teachers inspired us by arranging their own Siyacula event in the absence of sufficient funding for PSI Projects to facilitate a group event as usual, at DBCS. Well done to Ntombi and team for their initiative and effort....from little acorns, great trees grow!!
Energizing Educators and Communities
The success of the Weenen camps set a strong foundation for 2025. Already, Wembley College has hosted its first teacher workshop of the year, bringing together educators and principals from participating schools, including Cool Air Secondary, Macongco Primary, Indlovana Primary, and Tholinhlanhla Primary. This collaborative session emphasized planning and energizing teachers through song and celebration, reinforcing their commitment to the program.
The passion demonstrated by the teachers, who willingly dedicated their personal time and embraced challenging conditions to participate in the Weenen camps, is nothing short of inspiring. Their enthusiasm and dedication underscore the transformative power of this initiative.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Change
As we move forward, the PSI Legacy Project remains steadfast in its mission to:
Use music as a bridge to improve English language proficiency, breaking down barriers for rural learners.
Foster a deeper understanding of environmental care through thematic song choices.
Build a community-driven movement that drives awareness and action on critical issues like biodiversity.
The alignment of these goals ensures that the Siyacula Concerts and the PSI Choirs initiative will continue to be powerful platforms for change, engaging not only learners and teachers but also entire communities.
Call to Action for Donors
This vital work is only possible through the generous support of donors like you. Your contributions enable us to host transformative experiences, like the Weenen camps, and to sustain workshops and programs that make a lasting difference. Together, we can:
Empower more teachers and learners.
Spread awareness of environmental issues.
Create a brighter, more sustainable future through music and education.
Join us in amplifying the voices of these young learners and their teachers. Your donations spark a ripple effect of change, reaching far beyond the classroom to transform communities. Thank you!! Let’s make 2025 a year of even greater impact!
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