African visit is a delight for young pupils
PRIMARY school pupils had a wonderful time when they welcomed African students to their school.
The Kenyan youngsters came to Poynton thanks to the Martyn Donaldson Music Trust, a charity set up to support the general education of disadvantaged young people in Africa.
And the children, who are all students at the Starehe School in the Kiambu area of Nairobi, were welcomed with open arms by students at St Paul’s Catholic School, before playing together in the playground and performing songs for each other.
Headteacher Mrs Armstrong Boyle said: “We have been truly honoured by the relationship that St Paul’s has with the Martyn Donaldson Music Trust and the Starehe Boys and Girls.
“The cause is one which is very much close to our hearts.”
The Starehe Girls’ School in Kiambu is partnered with the Starehe Boys’ School in Pengani and between them, they have been visiting St Paul’s for over six years.
Both schools are supported by the Martyn Donaldson Trust.
It was established in memory of Martyn Donaldson, from Macclesfield, who tragically died in 2002. Martyn was an accomplished musician who taught music at the Starehe Boys’ Centre and School in Nairobi.
The St Paul’s children were enraptured by the vocal harmonies performed by the visiting girls, who sang a selection of traditional songs in English and Swahili, before enjoying musical performance from the children at St Paul’s.
The Starehe Girls then joined the children on the playground, teaching them new games, followed by question and answer sessions in each of the classrooms.
The Starehe boys and girls centres in Nairobi are looking for a music volunteer to work within the music departments.
Duties will include giving one-to-one lessons, choir training, preparing students for exams and the Kenya Music Festival.
The post includes free accommodation, a monthly living allowance and return air fare to the UK. For more information go to mdmt.org.uk.