Hope through children’s eyes

future through a series of intriguing connections and events.
She is now teaching 24 orphans violin using a variation of the Suzuki Method that operates without parents, only a dedicated matron – Eunice Madzudzo and a few house-parents at Ivordale Farm located 50km north of Harare.
The children are supported by Compassion Ministries of Celebration Ministries, Borrowdale Church in Harare, led by Pastors Tom & Bonnie Deuschle.
On September 28, 2008, Ivy gave her first lesson to nine Ivordale children at the Borrowdale Church, limited by the number of instruments that were available which were donations by a few of Ivy’s personal students who had outgrown their instruments and wanted to support the programme.
At least nine children progressed rapidly such that they were able to perform with Ivy’s Harare International School violinists in the annual Harare Allied Arts Eisteddfod Music Festival in March, 2009.
They earned an Honours Award (90 percent) from the South African adjudicator. An unbelievable and overwhelming achievement after only 6 months!
Currently the 6-14-year-old children meet for lessons on Sunday mornings from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Not only do the children learn violin, but are also learning mbira, marimba and choral singing through the assistance of teachers and helpers who include Kuzi Musiiwa, Carmen Hwarare, Madeline Grace, Tinotenda Chikoto, Tinashe Mutizwa, Mike Wakatama, James Magwojo, Nikki Ziehl and others.
The students are broken into small ability groups to work and then they all come together to practice current repertoire as a large group.
At this stage the violin repertoire primarily consists of the Suzuki Book 1. They also know the Zimbabwe National Anthem and other patriotic and African songs, along with a selection of Christmas Carols.
They also play a selection of praise and worship songs composed by Pastor Bonnie and have performed with her at annual Celebration Church Action Conferences.
There are many supporters of the orphans’ violin programme some who have given their resources.
Don Robertson, owner of one of the most prestigious violin Shoppe’s in the world, has generously donated 30 violins which arrived in Zimbabwe in 2009.
He recently gave nine cellos, which are on their way to Zimbabwe at this time.
He is willing to donate more instruments in the future to add to the orchestral vision.
Other supporters include Clayton Haslop, a solo violinist in the film industry, who has advertised for donations through his newsletter network, and Alpha Munro, a violinist and a teacher in Scotland, who has earned US$1 300 basking in Scotland in support of the Ivordale children.
The money went towards buying mbiras and marimbas and supporting the transportation of the donated cellos from the United States.
Nigel Chanakira has donated funds to enable the children to travel to Italy in 2012.
What began as a programme to teach violins to children is growing into an orchestra called the Children’s Celebration Orchestra of Zimbabwe. The CCOZ is working on a production which includes drama, music and dance to illustrate the backgrounds of some of the children and to encourage “a hope and a future” in themselves and their audience.
With this product, they are travelling and performing in Italy June 8, 2012. It’s not easy to make nice sounds on the violin; it may be a year or two before you can produce a really good tone.
The day that a child or student knows how to play a melody on their instrument is the day their hope begins to grow.
When they can play 10 songs in front of thousands and get a life time opportunity to travel the world then definitely the future is certain.
If music really brings healing to a soul then these children have found a reason to live as they journey through life filled with melodies and harmonies.
There is nothing that brings me joy than the fact that I have given my skills, talents to see others expressing themselves in the same manner and above all realise greater success in life.
All I can say to these highly favoured children is don’t give up, keep on keeping on.
l Richard Kohola is a music critic and development expert and can be contacted on the following number 0772 382 871 or email [email protected]