In addition to providing basic needs (shelter, food, clothing), we believe we have a responsibility to give each child in our care hope for their future, and to broaden their knowledge and understanding that THEY are the future of their country and they ‘can do’. One way we achieve this is by providing music lessons.

Music is an important part of life in Tanzania! People love to dance and sing. Church choirs are famous – every church, from large city churches to small village churches, has a choir. But, music is not taught in Tanzanian schools as a subject apart from in private schools, which only the elite can afford.

We have been teaching our children music on a weekly basis (keyboard, guitar, drums, theory) for 15 months now and have seen that the benefits reach far beyond the obvious such as the ability to play an instrument; read music; sing on key…

We have seen changes in our children that include:

• Increased self-confidence

• Increased communication skills

• Increased ability to think creatively and ability to express that creativity

• Increased fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination

• Increased abilities in reading comprehension, spelling, mathematics, listening skills, primary mental abilities and problem solving.

In their short music ‘career’, our children have given two public performances, and we have made two short videos – our children ooze joy and enthusiasm!

Seeway Trust is a registered charity no. 1074868