Covid-19: Muzukidz are keeping the dream alive

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating effect on the livelihoods of people across South Africa, none moreso than those living in the townships in and around Cape Town. Children are unable to go to school until further notice, parents cannot go to work and many have lost the modest jobs they had. Everyone has to stay at home.

But a special group of children, from different corners of the townships, remain united through that which has been providing them and their families with hope and joy long before Covid-19 entered the world’s reality. They are learning to play the violin through the NPO program, Muzukidz, which offers free and intensive violin tuition to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, although the pandemic is preventing teachers and learners from being together and attending their lessons at school, it is not stopping them from continuing their progress and enjoying the many benefits that learning music offers to young children. Teaching continues via WhatsApp, with specialist teachers from across the world sending them their lessons and teaching them online, daily.

Thanks to its wide support network, the Muzukidz organisation is also able to provide the mobile data needed by the children to facilitate these lessons. And, where there is a need for food and essentials, these are also provided.

All the clips in this video (excluding opening shot) were filmed by learners in the Muzukidz program and their families.

Edited by Carina Bruwer
Sound track: “Quiet Before the Storm” by Luca Hart.