The Recorder A Day Keeps The Learner Engaged Initiative
The Recorder a Day Keeps the Learner Engaged initiative is a visionary project aimed at equalizing music education for all learners in Kenya. The primary objective is to provide access to musical instruments, specifically recorders, to children in public schools from as early as grade one. The initiative recognizes the financial challenges faced by public schools and seeks to bridge the gap by encouraging donations of recorders from the public.
Why recorders?
Recorders are orchestral instruments that are both affordable and widely used in private and international schools. By introducing recorders into public schools, the initiative aims to bring equity to the realm of music education. The ultimate goal is to establish fully-fledged music departments in all public schools, complete with a variety of orchestral instruments. The initiative operates on a "body donation system," where individuals can either contribute money or donate actual recorders to support the cause.
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Broader Vision
To instill a love for playing real instruments in children, creating a foundation for a comprehensive music education. Moreover, the initiative has a dual impact by generating job opportunities for young people who have studied music. These individuals, once trained, can become specialists to teach music in public schools, creating a cyclical process that benefits both educators and learners.
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The initiative also recognizes the potential of recorders to make music lessons more engaging for both students and teachers. Even educators who may not have specialized in music can use recorders to enhance the learning experience, making lessons more interesting and interactive. The Recorder a Day initiative, therefore, seeks to go beyond providing instruments—it aims to transform the entire music education landscape in public schools.
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Harmony Foundation Kenya
Collaborating with the Harmony Foundation Kenya adds another layer to the initiative. The foundation, having initially focused on high schools, has successfully worked towards providing access to orchestral instruments and establishing orchestras in public schools. The partnership with Harmony Foundation Kenya allows the Recorder a Day initiative to leverage an existing platform and expand its reach, making a more significant impact on music education in both primary and secondary schools.
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In summary, the Recorder a Day initiative is not merely about providing instruments; it is a holistic approach to democratize music education, create job opportunities, and make learning more engaging for children in public schools across Kenya. Through strategic partnerships and community involvement, the initiative aspires to revolutionize music education and make it accessible to all.