Jicama 89, together with the SGB, decided to upgrade the School Hall for the purpose of establishing a Music Centre. The School Hall was entirely re-tiled, re-painted and woodwork re-varnished. Jicama 89 is also in the process of sourcing and acquiring the various musical instruments required.
A study found that on average 48% of blind children demonstrated great interest in everyday sounds, compared to 33% of those who were partially sighted and 13% of those who had full sight. 90% of blind children were particularly keen on music, against 67% of partially sighted children and 38% of those with full sight. 68% of the blind and partially sighted children played at least one instrument, compared to 41% of the sighted group. Parents of the blind children also reported that music was particularly important as a source of comfort, helping youngsters relax and express their emotions.
Music has tremendous educational and therapeutic potential for blind people fro infancy through to adulthood for children and young people. For those with learning difficulties it can offer an outlet of expression and an aid to their emotional development – areas which they might otherwise find particularly challenging.
Learning to play an instrument can be a wonderful thing for a child with a visual impairment. It may provide him/her with an additional social outlet or a recreational activity that enriches his/her time alone. It can be a way to draw people without disabilities to the child. It can build many important sills and traits such as coordination, concentration, self-discipline, self-esteem and perseverance.
