Sun Valley Primary School's senior choir performed their song, I Will Make A Difference, at Community Mental Health Convention 2023. The song was written by their music teacher, Janet Pienaar.
Sun Valley Primary School's senior choir took centre stage and performed a specially composed song at the Community Mental Health Convention 2023.
The convention, held over two days at the King of Kings Church in Fish Hoek on Friday October 20, and Saturday October 21, was a collaborative effort between The Family Counselling Centre (TFCC) in Fish Hoek and Integer Network SA, a non-profit organisation that offers personal coaching.
Janet Pienaar, the music teacher at Sun Valley Primary School, was approached by one of the event organisers who asked that the school perform.
“I was excited when we were asked to perform and decided to write a special song, I Will Make A Difference, which the choir performed,” said Ms Pienaar.
“I wanted to incorporate all the elements of mental health included in the Ryff Scale of psychological well-being which was developed by psychologist Carol D Ryff.”
The scale measures six aspects of wellbeing and happiness: autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance
The Sun Valley Primary School senior choir was the opening act at the convention.
“The performance went very well. We were really proud of our children. A couple of people in the audience afterwards said they found our special song, very moving,“ said Ms Pienaar.
Andrea Nettel, the founder of TFCC, said more than 200 people had attended the convention. "Our goal is to hold this convention annually," she said.
I Will Make A Difference – By Janet Pienaar
I will make a difference
I will make a difference
I will make a difference in this world
I will use my brain, let my thoughts unfurl
Let my life shine bright like a priceless pearl
Grab the gift of life with both of my hands
I will not hide away but boldly stand
I’ll boldly stand
I’ll boldly stand
I will make a difference
I will make a difference
I will make a difference in this world
There is one of me, valuable, unique
My opinion counts plus the words I speak
I will treat my friends with respect and love
Give my time and skill over and above
I’ll live with purpose and with love
I will make a difference
I will make a difference
I will make a difference in this world
I’ll make a difference