PPME – Pre-Primary Music Education develops the senses and the kinetic energy in the younger generations’ growth

The joy the sound of the new Harp brings. A donator from CH sent this new harp from Paris to APC Namibia.
APC is a Paradise for the young ones, this is where they come play, learn and socialize.
This is the roof construction of one of the huts in APC.
Examination in progress. APC Tests every student before he/she progresses to the next grade in their respective instrument(s).
L-R (back line): Ms. Mupetami, Mr. Nashipili, Mr. Haipinge, Mr Indongo, Mr. Khaled, Mr. Shuuya, Ms Kanime, late Fr. Hans Leu, Ms. Consi. L-R (front line): Mr. Hamaseb, Mr. Iyambo, Ms. Lis Hidber, Mr. Benno

                                                                                                                 Success stories of the first teachers group:

* Ms. Mupetami – the Namibian Police Brass Band leader

* Mr. Nashibili – a nurse in one of the state hospitals

* Mr. Haipinge – a member of the Anti Corruption Commission

* Mrs. Kanime – a teacher in one of the primary schools in Tsumeb

* Hans Leu ♱ 

* Consi – part of the Namibian police brass band

* Mr. Hamaseb – part of the Namibian Correctional Service brass band and as well the workshop repairer.

* Lis Hidber – still alive

MUSIC BRINGS HEALING

Hilya Pilukeni (17) walked into a center in Tsumeb seven years ago out of curiosity.

This impulsive decision turned her life. The shy, quiet, abused then ten-year-old girl is today an outspoken, confident, energetic teenager and all thanks to music.

“I was born in Tsumeb. I am one of twins and when my parents’ parted ways when we were still babies, my mother kept my sister and I went to my father. I grew up with him and my stepmother. Those were not good years because my stepmother abused me and when my father died in 2011, she sent me to my aunt,” said Hilya.

She was also unable to handle or trust new faces and people around her due to her abuse, which complicated the situation. At school she was quiet, shy and withdrawn because she did not do well in school due to her circumstances. “I couldn’t concentrate. In grade 1, the teacher asked me if I was stupid for failing. I couldn’t do math and I felt stupid.”

Her cousin told her about the Arts Performance Center (APC) and Hilya wondered why she hung out at the center so much. “I walked by there one day and saw many children. When I walked in, I saw something green and I saw hope. I knew I was at the right place.” The people of APC took her on a tour of the center. They showed her all the instruments and gave her a choice of three that she could learn to play. “When I heard the harp, I knew I had found my instrument. It felt like the sound was coming to me. It made me feel better.”

Today she plays at weddings, funerals and other events. She is currently in 10th grade and does well in school – even in math.

“My music teacher Lis Hidber made me understand mathematics through music. Music and math go hand in hand. Music opened my mind and healed me. Lis took me in and helped me. Now I can help other children in the same situation. Through music I can see a bright future. I am no longer shy, but full of self-confidence and look forward to finishing school and playing my harp for everyone.”

According to Hilya, music therapy helped her tremendously with her trauma.

“Anyone going through any trauma can knock on the door and be a part of it and be healed through music. Whatever we go through doesn’t mean it’s the end.

“There is always a negative and a positive path. It depends on you which one you choose. The future is in your hands. If I hadn’t walked into APC that day, I don’t know where I would have ended up. APC, Lis and music changed my life and made me whole again.” A Newspaper article by Hilya Pilukeni on how APC positively impacted on her life.