American Ambassador Makila James will officiate during the presentation of twenty Fender Guitars to orphanages on Nov. 22 and 27, 2013. “We are ready to roll with distributing the guitars,” says Ruth Newman, PAO at the American Embassy in Swaziland.
The events will include performances by the children who learned from Guitars for Swaziland (GFS) founder Stephen Doster upon his trip in May 2012, when he was honored to represent the US State Department’s Arts Envoy Program performing and teaching guitar workshops. As a special surprise, along with the guitars, LP Percussion, Inc. has provided a variety of instruments, which will be included in the distribution.
Music training from preschool to postsecondary education is common in most nations because involvement in music is considered a fundamental component of human culture and behavior. “Guitars For Swaziland truly believes that music is an important part of every child’s education. Many thanks to Ambassador James and all of you there for your kindness and goodwill,” says Stephen Doster.
American Ambassador Makila James will officiate as the guitars are given to the children with a joyous musical celebration:
Nov. 20, 2:30 p.m. at SOS Children’s Village
SOS Choir sings “Lady Africa”
Bholoja from BATEF Centre, VusiSitsembiso Sebunye school perform.
Sandziso Matsebula a budding Swaziland guitarist will also attend.
Nov. 27, 2:30 p.m. at Enjabulweni Boys Orphanage, Manzini
Dusty & Stones perform
Cliff & Nsika perform
There will be two separate full-day trips to rural areas where the American embassy will distribute the remaining Fender FA-100 Acoustic Guitars with extra sets of strings and LP Percussion instruments. Guitars for Swaziland have plans to reach the SOS Children’s Villages in Mbabane, Sitka, Nhlangano; Cabrini Sisters; Jamming House; Sandra Lee Center, Mbabane; Njabulweni Boys’ Home, Manzini; McCorkindale Orphanage, Manzini; New Life Homes, Mtsambama; and Pasture Valley, Nhlangano.
“Fender strongly believes in music education,” Austin, Texas Fender representative, Jeff Van Zandt relates. “Fender is honored to supply the instruments necessary to make this dream a reality and to enrich the lives of children around the world through music.”