National Lotteries Authority donates recorders to CAP

Students participating in this year’s Children Against Poverty (CAP) Bridging programme have been given a treat. The National Lotteries Authority (NLA), on Tuesday, July 21st, donated 1,275 soprano recorders so that each student can learn to play the instrument, and keep it to develop their newly acquired skill.{{more}}

Product Development Officer Anthony Dennie expressed how willing the NLA is to donate to projects such as the CAP bridging programme. “It’s a project that reaches out… the youth are our future.”

Dennie also noted that the programme ties in perfectly with the NLA’s commitment to youth and the development of SVG. “Our mandate is to develop sports and culture… We see this as a way of reaching out to the children of St. Vincent and the Grenadines!”

In her remarks, Rosita Snagg, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Mobilisation, insisted that these recorders could help to foster musical talent and encourage children to take up more productive pastimes than watching television. “I see us having children with musical ability in all of our primary schools… going out there and doing something other than just watching television.”

Snagg quoted a line from a song she learnt whilst in school, explaining that it captures how important music is in the lives of children. “All things shall perish from under the sky. Music alone shall live, never shall die.” She expressed genuine gratitude for the donation, and commended the NLA for being investors in youth-related pursuits.

Director of Social Development Eli Francis also gave brief remarks. Also the Programme Coordinator of the CAP Bridging programme, he explained that the programme is being conducted at 16 centres throughout St. Vincent and Bequia, with participation from students hailing from 47 primary schools. “This donation enhances the operation this year… The recorder can be a start for a student in the area of music… you never know where that can take you.”

According to Geoff Venner, Education Officer with responsibility for Music in schools, learning to play a musical instrument is not only enjoyable, it also helps to improve academic performance, discipline and coordination. “I know this will go a long way to developing music in this country,” he affirmed.

Venner acknowledged the implementation of a band programme in 15 secondary schools funded by EPMU
and the World Bank, which is due to begin in September 2009, and was delighted that music is being given prominence in the curriculum.

Jacqueline Glasgow-Browne, Senior Education Officer with primary schools, and Oswald Robinson, facilitator at the Kingstown CAP centre, also gave brief remarks. (JSV)