My School’s Got Talent Project aims to create platforms which keep talented kids off the streets

A BUDDING philanthropist is hoping teenagers from the Cape Flats love for music can be used to sway them from the clutches of social ills.

Curshwon Linnet, 25, of Retreat, launched the My School’s Got Talent Project in January, to provide children and youth from crimeridden communities with a platform to showcase their talents .

“We recognise that there is an abundance of talent in our communities, yet there is an overall lack of engagement and no vehicle for aspiring artists,” Linnet said.

“My goal is to nurture, develop and expand talent in learners; create platforms and exposure where these talents can be exposed to wider audiences; and enhance knowledge and understanding as well as broaden horizons.”

He said, while violence on the Cape Flats remains a challenge, funding issues also impact on the growth of the local arts industry, and his programme.

Linnet added that, despite these obstacles, his programme had been lavished with support and generosity from the community.

“Their input, encouragements and hands-on approach so far has inspired our team even more,” he said. “Community leaders as well as members have appealed to us to broaden this initiative by setting up similar vehicles for the respective communities.”

The My School’s Got Talent Project now has eight primary schools under its banner. Auditions started in February and March, in areas such as Retreat, Grassy Park, Steenberg, Lavender Hill, Westlake, Fairways, Parkwood, and Lotus. River.

Linnett said they have a sustainable plan in place for the near future, including camps, holiday programmes and events.