Ghetto Classics Orchestra aims at helping children in Nairobi’s slum Korogocho escape unemployment and stop them from engaging in crime.
The program, Ghetto Classics Orchestra, was founded by Elizabeth Njoroge, Kenyan classical music lover, and passionate singer, and takes place every Sunday in Korogocho, one of the most dangerous slums in East Africa.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, 600 children are now participating in the program and they were recently visited by Kenyan Afro-pop band Sauti Sol and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) officials.
“Making music gives these children the chance to devote their time to something pleasant, forget their problems and meet their peers in a safe place,” said Elizabeth Njoroge.
Music can help children in the long run as it teaches them discipline but also equips them to better deal with the challenges they face in their everyday lives. By discovering their talents, they learn to believe in themselves and to work in teams which in turn helps them concentrate better at school.
“In two weeks, they will perform at the international jazz festival here in Nairobi. So you see, this project brings these kids to places they’ve never dreamed of,” she says.
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