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AFP Photographer Roberto Schmidt photographed kids involved in a project in Korogocho, Nairobi called "Ghetto Classics" that uses music to empower the youth there. The brass band group is comprised of some 25 kids that only gets to practice every two weeks as the musical instruments they use are borrowed and there are not enough funds to pay the band director more often. The Ghetto Classics Project is a partnership between the Art of Music and the Kutoka Network - a network of parishes and organizations working in the urban slums, working to creates policies and new plans to help slum dwellers work their way out of poverty. Its purpose is to use music education to provide youth living in the slum with opportunities to better themselves and their community by giving them life skills that come with the discipline of studying art music.
Mr. Schmidt said he, "was really happy when I heard that you guys wanted to do this slide show. I really hope that someone in the wider audience is affected by it and would be willing to help out this outfit. They are truly good kids who are making an honest effort." See more photos here.
Click 'Show more' below to watch the video.
Leave a Comment:
Music is the language that transcends all nationalities and stations in life. Teach your children the universal language.
I think you should attach a link if anyone want to help the kids. After some searching on the web I found one of the sites that sponsors the music program.
http://www.artofmusic.co.ke/ghetto-classics/index.html
Music.....One good thing about it...when it hits you feel no pain....Bob Marley.
Where can you go to donate? I looked up Kutoka Network, but I can't find Art of Music.
Nevermind! I found it: http://www.artofmusic.co.ke/ghetto-classics/index.html
Music can provide a lifetime of serenity.
I have instruments to donate as well. Where do you go th find out how?
D-2515485 - thanks for the website for the donations!
It is a great initiative in rebranding Korogocho image, i was really impressed by the great performance of the Ghetto classic keep it up guys.
Thanks Elizabeth, Kutoka network and all for making it possible for young people here in Korogocho achieve their ambition in life.
This is sad! Very sad! How unfortunate can Kenya get!? We are making headlines in the wrong areas!!! What about our traditional instruments? Why are these children not making positive headlines along those lines? Why not use what you have? Our traditional instruments are easier to make, cheaper to maintain and we as Kenyans are the best at playing our own. This paper is an indication of the sad state of Kenyan minds!!
Would American children playing African instruments indicate a "sad state" of American minds or a attempt to understand other cultures?
Aren't there initiatives by Sarakasi Trust and other bodies that promote African arts for disadvantaged children?