25 Jan 2023

 It is important for children to learn music as it has immense benefits, says director and founder of Gaborone-based Kingdom Arts Academy.

Speaking during International Day of Education held at the school on January 24, Ms Akhutleleng Kekwaletswe said integrating music into the school curriculum was a way to enhance education.

Kekwaletswe suggested that all music genres be incorporated in the curriculum as music was not only for entertainment, but had a positive impact on the child academic performance. 

She said music could help children to develop social skills and offered opportunities for creativity, which was essential to a child’s development.

She said music also created neutral pathways in the brain, allowing a child to develop positively in all aspects, be it socialisation; stress reduction, improved cohesion and language development skills, adding that music was a life skill on its own.

“It makes one fit in. If one plays a musical instrument, they need others to cushion, in the sense that they learn music in groups and therefore develop cohesion, ultimately helping with social relations,  Kekwaletswe said, adding that music also teaches team work. 

She said one practices alone for perfection, which builds discipline and develops balance, adding that one may become a lead singer and therefore develop leadership skills and gain confidence.

She stressed that the power of music should not be underestimated, adding music promoted creative thinking, upliftment and innovation.

The Kingdom Arts Academy offers all musical genres from piano violin, guitar, drums, marimba, flute, voice, trombone, trumpet as well as saxophone.

She said some of her students were succeeding in the entertainment industry in and outside the country.

Cindy Leatame, a singer, songwriter and a scientist, reiterated that music was about self-expression.

 Leatame said young people needed to be nurtured into music, saying it was not an extra-curricular activity, but a way of life and could be turned into a profession.

 Leatame said with music, Botswana would succeed in achieving gender equality and breaking the poverty cycle.

She highlighted that she grew up as a shy child, but with music, she was able to spread her wings and become a better version of herself and generate income through her singing career.

She therefore advocated for intense music lessons, saying it makes ‘a fantastic career and gives meaning to lives.’ 

The day, which was celebrated under the theme; To Invest in People, Prioritise Education, saw children from Broadhurst Primary School, Phatsima Tuition, Balino Kids Academy, Brookhills Montessori and Kingdom Arts Academy experience connections through music. Ends