Marching to the beat of their dreams

Talfalah Primary School pupils are gearing up for a trip of a lifetime when they jet off to Thailand to compete in the World Music Championships next month.

Principal Ashraf Karriem said the establishment of the school’s marching band in 2018 had only resulted in positive spin-offs.

The school is on the final stretch of fund-raising to cover the cost of the trip, according to Mr Karriem.

“We want to make this the most memorable trip for our learners. It’s not just about the competition but the experience as well. Many of our learners are from Manenberg, and many have not been out of Cape Town, never mind boarding an international flight.”

The school had started the marching band as there were no activities for children in the area, Mr Karriem said.

“If I drive through Manenberg, it is sad to see they are not even playing games outside anymore. Our children enjoy being part of the marching band. It helps to instil discipline, and it is not always about winning, although we have many trophies to show off.”

The opportunity to take part in the World Music Championships was made possible by Fadiel Gasant, the founder of the Ashwin Willemse Orient Show Marching Band, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Mr Gasant, who said he just wanted to give the youth an opportunity to shine, approached Mr Karriem with a proposal to take part in the championships.

“When I showed teacher Leila Hendricks Isaacs (who coordinates the marching band), she was so excited about it. Then we had to get the parents on board. I made a promise in faith to the parents, that the school would contribute R5 000 for every child who will be participating. That meant that the school had to raise a total of R100 000. We have nearly hit that target, and will be having our final fund-raiser on Saturday November 30. We are appealing for any assistance,” Mr Karriem said.

Ms Hendricks Isaacs said the school had two squads and hoped to start a third squad soon.

“I have seen how beneficial being part of the marching band has been for our children. We’ve been strategic about our practice times, which happen after school on a Friday and on Saturday mornings. This helps to keep them off the streets. We don’t have major issues in the classroom anymore. Being part of the marching band helps them forget about some of the challenges at home, which often led to them lashing out in the classroom. Our learners feel like they are being valued and getting the attention that they need,” Ms Hendricks Isaacs said.

Naboweya Prince, whose daughter, Alicia, 13, is also part of the group, said the marching band had a positive impact on the parents as well.

“This is not just happening for our children. This is happening for us as well. With our children being part of the marching band, it has brought a sense of community - we feed into each other and support one another. We got to know each other because of our children, and that in itself has helped to build community spirit. We are also living the ’my child is your child’ ethos. Our children have an opportunity now for their horizons to broaden. They can reach to achieve their dreams, instead of that dream remaining just that - a dream,” Ms Prince said.

Mr Karriem thanked Shahieda Majiet, from the Western Cape Education Department’s Metro Central district office, for her support and guidance in getting the marching band off the ground. He also thanked Wazeer Ruiters, from the Western Province Marching Band Association, who has been their coach.

“I want to also sincerely thank the staff of Talfalah because they all went the extra mile to make this great opportunity possible for our children. We could also not have done it without our parents. We just need that last little push,” Mr Karriem said.

A fund-raiser, which will include pedal cars and performances by marching bands and singers, will be held at the school on Saturday November 30, from 9am to 5pm. Tickets are R10 each for adults and R5 each for children. Contact the school at 021 691 0352 for more information.