Last December VAM hosted a fundraising concert, “Sing For Hope” that raised funds for the New White House Academy (NWHA), a small primary school in Kenya that delivers big changes for the impoverished children of the Sagala Hill region. “Sing For Hope” was initiated and organized by Chloe Hurst, who in addition to being an acclaimed soprano, is one of VAM’s most valued and active faculty members as part of the Voice, Theory, and Early Childhood Education departments. Funds raised from “Sing For Hope” were used to replace the rusted and broken rain-catching gutters, buy new water tanks, and repair the large underground water tank – all desperately needed upgrades for a school that relies on collected rain water as their only water source.
Last Month, VAM collected donated recorders from our generous students that were delivered by Chloe during Spring Break where she led a team of volunteers who taught at NWHA. In Chloe’s words, “Their eyes lit up when they saw that we had brought recorders for them and that they were theirs to keep. NWHA teachers were also eagerly participating and learning so that they can continue to teach with the materials we left them. I will periodically be sending video messages with teaching tips for NWHA faculty”
It is a privilege for VAM to follow the inspiring lead of Chloe Hurst and enter a twinning relationship with NWHA as their primary Canadian sponsor. The transformative power of music and its effect on the development of our children and those abroad is truly exemplified by this initiative. May 12th’s Mark Fewer & Friends concert will be a special benefit for New White House Academy to assist with their targeted goal of raising $10,000, the amount necessary for NWHA to have running water. Thank you for marking May 12th, 7:00pm on your calendar and for supporting this incredible cause.