Church group that gave classical music to Korogocho slum children

When Elizabeth Njoroge went to a meeting where people were discussing a fund-raising for a basketball pitch at St John’s Centre in Korogocho, Nairobi, in 2008, she had no idea that she was walking straight into her destiny.

A conversation she had with Fr John Webootsa, the resident priest at the Parish, would change the course of her life forever.

“Going to Korogocho was a fluke, one of those things that happen because life wants them to happen,” she says. “After the meeting, Fr Webootsa called me and asked if I could start a music program in Korogocho. I had absolutely no experience and no idea

of what I was getting myself into.”

That is how Elizabeth and Fr Webootsa co-founded the Ghetto Classics music program in 2008, which currently has over 300 children aged between 10 years and 19 years.

“I always wonder if I would have proceeded had I known what I was in for. It has been a labour of love, a very difficult one but I don’t regret it one bit.”

At first Elizabeth and her team had to source for funding for music instruments from well-wishers and embassies. Some days they had to pay — from their own pockets — for food for their members and their families, rent and other needs they have had

besides the music lessons.

“I have had tough days, I have had to develop thick skin because of some of the situations I have seen in the course of running this program, but just when I am about to give up, I always see some remarkable achievement from one of our charges, or they

perform a piece and I am completely blown away, reminding me what I am here for,” she says of her six years journey in the programme.

REACHING OUT TO INTERESTED CHILDREN

Elizabeth works with primary schools in the Korogocho slum to reach out to children who are interested in music and, together with a group of volunteer teachers, they hold rehearsals every Sunday at the St. John’s church grounds.

She says that although many of the Korogocho slum children may not necessarily become musicians, the discipline of music that includes constant practice, learning something complex, commitment and hard work equips them with important life skills.

Through this exposure to music, the children have not only gained self-confidence but have also had several opportunities to go to different places, meet, interact and network with people they would probably have never met under normal circumstances.

“One of my proudest moments was when they performed for the Pope. I was extremely honoured when they met the President. Also, there is no greater feeling than seeing the ones in college excel.”

This is a great departure for the lady who is a pharmacist. Although her love for music was evident from childhood, she did not discover classical music until she got to university.

“I always took part in the Kenya Music Festival. I was the music prefect in high school and was also in a music group called Angels of Harmony but I discovered classical music while in university in Canada.”

She cannot help but brag about the performance of her members who sat the KCPE exams last year. “They surpassed our expectations and right now I have a problem I don’t mind having, that of looking for school fees for them to join secondary school. I am sure all of them will have a chance to advance their studies,” said Elizabeth.

One of the key lessons she has learnt over time is that Kenyans care. The music program has survived over the years due to the generosity of Kenyans.

“The launch of the Safaricom International Jazz Festival has been a saviour to us. Before, the pupils would share instruments but now we have not only bought more instruments, but also have a van to transport them for safe-keeping. We can now

accommodate even more children and have more paying shows because we have transport,” Elizabeth says.

The Safaricom Jazz International Festival will be held on February 21 at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani in Nairobi. All ticket sales proceeds go to the music program.

The show this year will feature three-time Grammy Award winner Branford Marsalis. Also to perform will be Jef Neve, Giampaolo Nuti and Francesco D’Orazio, Maya Beltsitzman and Matan Ephrat, Sons of Kemmet and Siya Makuzeni.