Simon Yiga, a Rotarian from Kampala, Uganda (pictured here on the left) was a surprise visitor to Rotary Hout Bay Club recently and was introduced to members of the club by local well known musician, Leanne Dollman, of the Hout Bay Music Project (right). They are both seen here with president of local Rotary club, Joe Schwach.
Simon is director of the Kampala Music Academy and happened to be in Cape Town for a music conference for African countries. He decided to visit Hout Bay, which he knew had a similar project to his own in Uganda.
His Kampala academy encourages emergent musicians, especially from poorer communities, to follow their love of music but who are unable to afford instruments.
Rotarians worldwide are encouraged to visit any Rotary club when travelling on business or holiday in order to develop international understanding amongst communities. A meal and fellowship are always guaranteed. Simon had with him Rotary's international booklet which says when and where each Rotary club meets in the world.
Leanne, accompanied by Simon, set out to find the local Rotary clubhouse, Leanne having a similar project in Hout Bay teaching music, mainly string instruments, voice and drumming, to approximately sixty children from the historically disadvantaged communities of Hangberg Harbour Village and Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay.
The Hout Bay children recently performed at Artscape and the UN Africa conference In Cape Town and, now with patron as Minister Trevor Manuel, also from Cape Town, are going from strength to strength.
Similarly, Simon launched the "Pianos for Uganda" in Britain in 1998.
Over 60 donated pianos and an organ have been brought into Uganda and placed in schools, colleges, churches and practice centres, as well as numerous string, wind and brass instruments. Their availability for practice and lessons raised the standard of music so fast that opening a music school became the essential next step.
The Kampala Music Academy has become known world wide for its musical performances on stage and television.
The two brought their own particular stories to a Rotary evening and enthralled members by recounting their experiences. Simon, as a Rotarian, takes back to Uganda some happy memories of an evening spent with Rotarians, all overwhelmed by the drive and enthusiasm of these dedicated pair, both so far apart and yet with so much in common.
Rotarians will closely keep in touch with Leann’s Hout Bay Music Project from now onwards.
