Kurland is a very poor village with approximately 3000 inhabitants.  The children here know poverty and violence.  Life is cheap.  But these children also dream.  They also dare to hope when grace touches their despair. 

In 2003 an outreach program was initiated at the Crags Primary School, using music, dance and drama as expressive communication tools,to empower the children at a personal and communal level to tell their life stories. This culminated in the presentation of a play, "The Gift of Life", which was especially adapted from a Nordic folk tale for the children of Kurland. 

Participation by the children and their families in this outreach programme resulted in:

-          The children from the school receiving sponsorship for their entire schooling.

-          Money generated from presentation of the play being given to Crags Primary School for remedial resources.

-          The Crags Primary School forming their own choir, with one of the teachers training the children.  They now take part in competitions and have achieved remarkably high standards. 

-          The secretary of the school feeling inspired, as a very talented play writer, to start up a performance group in the community, that takes part in the annual Karoo Arts Festival in Oudtshoorn every year.

In December 2007 we intend to establish another sustainable and educational project in Kurland.  We will return to Crags Primary School to establish a six-week holiday programme that will include:

-          A daily music therapy group for young mothers and infants.  Many young mothers have not bonded with their children, often due to tragic circumstances of conception.  Music therapy will gently develop these necessary bonds.

-          A daily holiday programme for children, including extra needs children, and their families.  This programme will involve drama, music, art, crafts, story creating and story telling as well as games and outdoor activities.  A full scale musical will be practiced and performed at the end of the project.  Also a community day will be facilitated at the end of the project encouraging the children to develop leadership qualities.

-          Provision of nutritious lunches every day that the children will help to prepare.

-          Community participation with some adults having the opportunity to gain skills as facilitators and tutors.

-          Establishing an orchestra and seeking sponsorship to provide musical instruments to ensure this programme is sustainable.

It is our goal that any programmes we establish are sustainable and continue to improve the quality of life of the children of Kurland and their families once we return to New Zealand.