ONGWEDIVA – Music is a universal language and Laina Abiatar, founder of Kally Music Academy, shares her passion by teaching children to play musical instruments. 

Speaking to VIBEZ!, Abiatar said her passion for music was reaffirmed after she graduated with a diploma in African Performing Arts from the College of the Arts.

“I thought this was a good opportunity for me to start teaching children music. Initially, I started playing music for myself at home. This inspired most of the children in my suburb. So, I started recruiting children, and training them in music in my backyard. That’s what motivated me to carry on teaching children,” she said.

Abiatar started offering music lessons to children in 2019. Her music classes are now offered at the Sam Nujoma Multipurpose Hall, Ongwediva, from Monday to Friday.

So far, the Academy has 50 learners attending music classes.

“There has been a lot of progress since I started teaching. For example, they are now able to take part in Swakopmund Musk woche, which is one of the important music events that takes place every December. It is through this orchestra that kids can communicate with others from different towns through music. My children are also able to play in different events taking place, for example, Oshakati Totem Expo, and more events they are invited to,” she said.

Abiatar mentioned that the academy is offering international music certificates for music theory through Trinity College. 

“This is an opportunity for the youth to acquire necessary music skills to enable them to apply in any music industry they wish for their future,” said the teacher.

The Academy targets children between the ages of five to 18 because it is important for them to learn music while they are still young. 

“Some elderly come to the centre for healing. One elder stated that music is a therapy,” she said.

Abiatar, who also teaches  gymnastics, said she is a proud teacher because her trainees will be take part in the gymnastics competition in Windhoek this year. 

“We have been training gymnastics for the past three years now. So, we have an open opportunity to showcase our talent through the Namibia Gymnastic Federation. 

Our children have been undergoing extensive gymnastic training,” she said.However, she highlighted challenges such as insufficient funds to purchase musical instruments and equipment as they need keyboards, cellos, violins, note stands and guitars.

She added that the pupils are undergoing a music workshop at Sam Nujoma Multi-purpose Centre at Ongwediva. 

“This workshop aims to advance the music skills of Oshana youth so that they can show their talent on stage through the orchestra,” said Abiatar.

She said these classes are important because they keep pupils engaged in their social life and off the street so they cannot engage in mischief. 

-fhamalwa@nepc.com.na