The music lessons have been ongoing weekly at one of our beneficiary schools. We were glad that the excitement and the joys of learning to play the piano had not waned amongst our pupils. However, we observed that uncertainty filled the hearts of several students as we moved the keyboard finger exercises from their desks to the keyboard.

The ordeal for us was how to take them from being unsure to attempting. We could take the threatening route that would defeat the objective of our mission.

After urging them, some pupils attempted the exercise.

The five fingers lingered on the keys and brought the unpleasant sounds. After a few minutes of practice, the sound became better. More pupils started coming around to watch their classmates. Within twenty minutes, almost everyone in the class was requesting a slot.

But Esther (name changed) was different. She sat in her seat, looking shaken and quite unsure of herself.

We tried to make room for her amidst the rush. She was confused about where to place her fingers on the keyboard. Her classmates began teasing her. Her confidence pummeled further.

“Everyone, go back to your seat except Esther,” the music instructor said.

Finally, we were able to get all the pupils to settle down.

He adjusted Esther’s fingers on the keyboard to the C key. With his hands lightly placed over hers, they played the keys together.

Gradually, Esther relaxed. On the sixth time, she was able to play the keys unaccompanied. She rose from the keyboard seat. Her face was radiant with the joy of accomplishment.

Sure, Esther went home that day a thousand times feeling confident. The Foster team was delighted about the day's wins.

At Foster by AML, Esther’s experience and many other pupils reinforce our vision of bringing quality music education to socioeconomically disadvantaged children across Africa. Our core mission remains to raise a new generation of confident and resilient children who possess a deep appreciation for African music, as well as the skills and knowledge to pursue their artistic aspirations.

We began with almost 40 pupils at a government-owned school in Lagos, Nigeria, and have grown to over 50. We are determined to add more schools in the new year 2024.

Yes, you can become part of this life-changing mission for African children in many ways - as a financial or instrument donor, volunteer, or adopt Foster as your personal or company CSR project. Please send us a message: librarian@africanmusiclibrary.org

At Foster by AML, our mission is to raise a new generation of confident and resilient children who possess a deep appreciation for African music

Empowering Through Music: Esther Triumph, Foster Mission for African Children

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