A non-profit organisation is bringing some harmony into Ocean View children’s lives with guitar lessons.
The Ocean View Wellness Centre’s founder, Aslam Richards, says their Strummin’ and Hummin’ guitar programme started in October last year and it’s run by musician and ceramic artist Jenny Chadwick and Nishaat Moses.
Thanks to a donation from a Fish Hoek business and a Kommetjie resident, some of the children now have their own guitars.
Ms Chadwick said it was great to have instruments to use during the weekly teaching sessions, but it was better for the children to own their own instruments so they could practise on their own.
Students Zane Petersen and Sebastian De Stadler recently received certificates of achievement for their pace, progress and dedication and both were given their own guitars as a reward
Zane Petersen said both his grandfathers used to play the guitar and one had been in a band, The Viper Six. He hoped to be as good as they were, he said.
“The lessons keep me out of trouble and bring me joy. It is lekker,” he said.
Many of his friends were involved in gang activities, but he had a goal that kept him from going down that path, he said.
Find the Cape Flats Wellness Centre on Facebook and Instagram or email capeflatswellnesscentre@gmail.com for more information.