On June 19 and 20, HOL students participated in our school district’s music festival in Kasarani sub-county. The competition encompassed eight categories, including poems, choral verses and set pieces. Although we are from one of the poorest areas, our students out-performed larger, more equipped schools in several categories.
We took first place in a self-composed choral verse about digital inclusion. As winners, we will move on to a regional music festival in Nairobi on July 6 The regional competition will include students from 60 schools within 30 school zones.
Our students also won third place in an African (Luo) singing game. Remarkably, our children were the youngest in this category.
We ranked in the top ten of six other categories. All categories had at least 30 entries with the highest having 56 entries.
“I am proud to note that we performed at the same level as the biggest, well-resourced schools in our district,” said Sami Maina, Hands of Love director. “Judges wanted to know where we were located and were always surprised to learn we were from the slum area of Kariobangi.” He continued, “Participation in the music festival was an immense confidence boost to our students and teachers…to know that we can compete with the best and emerge on top.”
Special thanks goes out to our Hands of Love teachers including Justus, Lucy, Ken, Rehema, Phyllis and Monica who led this effort.