Last December a group of Singaporean friends came to see the Goducate community work in Laguna, and offered gifts for children in the various villages we work in. The children selected were those taking part in our literacy, sports, and music programs. 430 children from 11 villages each received a school bag and school supplies, snacks, and a recorder.
Recorder classes have been held every Saturday. Most of the teachers are our Goducate scholars (college students receiving a Goducate bursary); others are our community development workers.
After a month 205 children were still attending the recorder classes regularly. 54 of these were chosen to play in late January for those sponsors who paid a return visit after a trip to Manila.
Next month we will hold an evaluation. Those who pass the theory and practical examinations will be allowed to proceed to learn a brass or string instrument. Most of our students prefer brass instruments, and we hope that we will be able to acquire sufficient of these instruments.
Goducate’s music program has been valuable not only in keeping children off the streets, but also in giving children a valuable skill, and in instilling in them much discipline.
