Past projects 2
South African Sounds
Funded Mar 29, 2017Thank you SO much for your support and donations which allowed me to participate in this once in a lifetime experience! Because of your generous donations I was able to spend two weeks this summer volunteering at Casterbridge Music Development Center in White River, South Africa. CMDA is a music program where young adults can grow and learn in their craft as well as hopefully become self-sustaining musicians once they graduate. During their time at CMDA the students take online music and business courses, music lessons and produce their own music. My colleague and I spent the majority of our time helping the students, which speak English as a second language, with their online course material. We also got to participate in CMDA's outreach programs. These programs focus on younger children learning to play the marimbas.
My time spent with the younger students in the outreach program was definitely a highlight for me! To see and hear the talent of these young musicians was amazing. The students at the outreach programs will hopefully develop a passion for music and then apply to become students at CMDA once they complete secondary school.
Since arriving back home in the US I have had lots of changes. This year I have transferred to a developmental preschool classroom. But, I have been able to incorporate my love of music already into my new classroom. I use music everyday in my class to encourage movement with my little students as well as increase their language. I hope to even be able to teach them some drumming and marimba in the future!
Again, thank you so much for your support! And keep in touch!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kusaya
This classroom project was brought to life by Aspect Ventures and 19 other donors.Alternative Seating
Funded Nov 20, 2016Thank you so much for making your contribution! My students were so excited when the packages were delivered! We had fun unpacking the chairs and putting them together as a class. We use the new seating daily; whether it is during our small group instruction, during free time or while we are silently reading. The blue chair is the most popular and the students take turns getting to sit in it! They seats and bean bags have given my students some nice alternative seating options instead of sitting in a hard chair or at their desks all day. I have noticed that the students are more willing to read independently, especially when they have several comfy seating options. We are currently doing a big unit on North America and reading maps in which the students will need to research and use many maps while sitting at the alternative seating.....I'm sure it will help aid in a fun learning environment! Thanks again!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kusaya