Passionate pianist gets second chance at recital
A 12-year-old boy has been given the chance to learn the piano again after missing out on lessons because his family couldn’t afford it.
Nathaniel loves video games and playing sports but his most favourite thing is at a piano and learning the keys.
Despite getting by with just one income, his Mt Albert family sacrificed to get him paid lessons after discovering his natural musical talent.
Towards the end of 2015, they had to stop the $20 per session piano lessons because they couldn’t afford it.
‘‘Because I was so good, my piano teacher told me I could play in the musical recital -I was so excited,’’ Nathaniel said.
‘‘But then, because we couldn’t afford the lessons anymore, they changed their mind and I was told I couldn’t perform.’’
Mum Jocelyn applied for assistance from Kiwi Kids, a sponsorship programme administered by Variety - The Children’s Charity.
The programme connects children living in poverty with a sponsor who can help fulfil basic needs like new shoes, bedding, uniforms and out of school activities.
A sponsor was found for Nathaniel and this year, he will take 10 piano lessons per term.
He gets the chance to finally play in a musical recital.
It’s a different story for his siblings Noah, 8, and Nico, 7.
They’ve have been waiting for sponsorship since September.
Noah desperately needs school shoes - he currently wears jandals, and Nico is quickly out growing her school uniform.
‘‘It has been a great advantage for our family with Nathaniel’s sponsorship,’’ mum Jocelyn said.
‘‘We are so grateful to Kiwi Kids for allowing us to get Nathaniel these piano lessons.
‘‘Sponsorship in general would be great for families like ours.
‘‘We struggle to put food on the table and the help from Kiwi Kids means we don’t have to stress about things like shoes, uniforms and out of school activities.’’
Since it began four years ago, Kiwi Kids has provided 2800 children around the country with sponsors.
About 350 children are still in desperate need for support.
For more information, contact 09 520 4111.