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The year 2020 has been a year unlike any other. Few events in our lifetime have, without regard for status or geography, affected all citizens globally like this present pandemic. All at present share similar fears and uncertainty. In the long term, however, consequences will be vastly different for different groups of people. The financial difficulties for some might mean forgoing a holiday but for others might entail real hunger. 

Most people would agree on the importance of arts and culture for society, but also that in times of need they be put on the back burner. Yet in these pandemic times, it is the music from balconies, in parking areas and empty gardens that put a smile on people's faces! It is the intangible things of the human spirit that lift us - so we can soar above the circumstances of our everyday existence, so we can be free. It is these things that are embedded in our culture and find expression in our art that define our humanity. These are the things that give hope in a time where many people are isolated and lonely. 

In South Africa we know the feelings of desperation that people may experience, creating a vicious circle of poverty, crime and feelings of inferiority and rejection. One project addressing this situation is the long-running Handevat project of the ATKV:  "Handevat" in Afrikaans means "taking hands", where a "privileged school" had to form a team with a "disadvantaged school" to work on a meaningful project together. In 2006 Stefné van Dyk entered this competition with a music project for the two primary schools in Caledon, Overberg- and Swartberg Primary.   They won second prize in this national competition. When Stefné "retired" to Betty's bay in 2013, she started a "Handevat Music Project" again. This time it was in Kleinmond (www.handevatmusic.co.za), teaching children of all races, regardless of social standing, to make music. The project escalated from 30 children in 2013 to 117 in 2020. (See our website for accounts of present and past participants of the Handevat music project, and how it has changed their lives).

Children from as young as 7 years old start playing the recorder, marimbas and djembes. When they have proved their dedication and commitment students can advance to more challenging instruments like the trumpet, trombone, flute, clarinet, saxophone and piano. The project is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO – 226-287) and PBO (930068873). It is normally funded by donations from the local community and by fund-raising projects such as golf days, workshops and music concerts. With current restrictions, numerous planned fund-raising events had to be cancelled, leaving the project in desperate need of funds. If you would like to become involved in any way or have spare instruments to donate, please contact us at [email protected]  We can also provide an Article 18A receipt, tax benefit or BEE letter if needed. 

Follow the project on Facebook too at Handevat Music Project Kleinmond.

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