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Colombian musicians teach creativity to Draperstown children

Colombian musicians teach creativity to Draperstown children

BBC News24-02-2025

It is often said that music is a universal language.And that was certainly the case in Draperstown in County Londonderry.Pupils from St Mary's Primary came together in rhythm with visiting musicians from Columbia in South America.The Mr Klaje Collective from Cali in the South American country rap, sing, dance, play and drum.In their home city they use the power of music to bring former gang members together, promoting peace and reconciliation through teaching creativity.According to guitarist Juan Manuel Gomez, music is an ideal way to do that."The music connects the people and secures a space to start to speak about the problems, the life," he told BBC News NI.
'It was very fun'
Along with the British Council, Dr Edwar Calderón from Queen's University of Belfast (QUB) is one of those behind the collective's visit to Northern Ireland."The idea is to show how different music can go together and how music put together can create a dialogue between people and bring people together," he said.Draperstown is fortunate enough to have its own music hub in the centre of the town, run by Glasgowbury.Around 200 young people from the area go to Glasgowbury each week to learn instruments and play music together.So it was an ideal venue to bring the Colombian musicians together with the P5 pupils from St Mary's to make sweet music.Nine-year-old pupil Saorla is already an enthusiastic and accomplished musician."I play a lot of music, I play at least four instruments," she said."I play the harp, and the whistle and the piano and the violin."But sampling drumming with the collective brought a new string to her bow."There's different types of drums you can play," she said."It was very fun actually, I'd never played drums before."For her St Mary's classmates Yusuf and Olcán, learning to rap was a hit lesson."It was cool and it was nice to listen to some different music," Yusuf said."And we learned some Spanish and we got to count to four in Spanish," Olcán added.
There have been concerns, though, that arts subjects like music can sometimes be squeezed out of primary school timetables.A recent report from the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) said, for example, that many teachers were finding it challenging to "ensure that there is time for art and design within the curriculum".That was despite the fact that creativity was found to be important in improving children's wellbeing.
St Mary's teacher Caroline McCartney said it was vital to give pupils time to take part in music, art and other imaginative and creative subjects."It's very important for children to get time to be creative and to express their thoughts and ideas whether it be through art or through music," she told BBC News NI.And it is not just important for children but adults, too.Classroom assistant Aga Mura also took the chance to dance and sing along to the Mr Klaje Collective as they worked with St Mary's pupils."It was absolutely fun for everybody," she said.

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Four Father's Day 2025 unique and thoughtful gifts which will arrive on time for Sunday
Four Father's Day 2025 unique and thoughtful gifts which will arrive on time for Sunday

Daily Record

time14 hours ago

  • Daily Record

Four Father's Day 2025 unique and thoughtful gifts which will arrive on time for Sunday

Father's Day 2025 is coming this weekend and for those who are yet to buy anything for the big day, we have got you covered with this gift guide that is sure to please all of the father's out there - and they are still available to arrive before Sunday! Father's Day is just around the corner and there are sure to be a few last minute shoppers out there who have either forgotten about the date or left it last minute and are now scrambling for ideas. The big day falls on Sunday June 15th this year and while a crate of beers or a box of his favourite chocolates are sure to make the majority of men smile, you may be looking to go the extra mile this year. To help those who are looking for something a little more personal for the special father or grandfather figure in their life this year, I have compiled a short gift guide that covers a range of items that are sure to please every man - from foodies and alcohol enthusiasts to health and wellness and experience day lovers. After all, the day only comes around once a year so why not branch out a little this year and think outside of the box a little. Here's some inspiration for those searching for a unique gift this Father's Day which are all still available to snatch up before Sunday.. Foodie dad As the old saying goes, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. So food could be a perfect present for all the foodie dads out there but not just any old food - a fancy box of Spanish tapas ingredients. Box Tapas creates a gorgeous collection of Spanish ingredients, allowing you to create authentic and delicious tapas with new flavours and products that have never before been available in the uk. Shoppers can choose from a range of five Tapas Boxes, including Classic, Vegetarian, Seafood, Chorizo or Gourmet, with prices starting from £54.59. Each box contains a carefully curated set of quality ingredients (10-14 per box) which can be used to produce a range of tapas dishes. 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Jobe Bellingham ‘already plotting move to Real Madrid to join brother Jude' after completing £31m Dortmund transfer
Jobe Bellingham ‘already plotting move to Real Madrid to join brother Jude' after completing £31m Dortmund transfer

Scottish Sun

time16 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Jobe Bellingham ‘already plotting move to Real Madrid to join brother Jude' after completing £31m Dortmund transfer

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOB BELLINGHAM is already plotting a move to Real Madrid following his Borussia Dortmund transfer, according to reports. The midfielder has completed a £27million switch to Borussia Dortmund. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Jobe Bellingham has completed a transfer to Borussia Dortmund Credit: Instagram @bvb09 3 He could follow brother Jude to Real Madrid Credit: INSTAGRAM @judebellingham That makes him the fourth most expensive player in the club's history - just ahead of older brother Jude. In his announcement video Bellingham played down the idea he is following in his brother's footsteps. But Spanish outlet Marca report the 19-year-old is already eyeing a switch to Real Madrid, just as Jude did two years ago. They claim Jude's knowledge of the club and success at Dortmund where key factors in Bellingham's decision to sign. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL MIC SWAP Carrick takes up new offer alongside Man Utd icon O'Shea just days after Boro axe Bellingham's debut for Dortmund will likely come in the Club World Cup. The teenager will wear number 77 for his new club, sporting his first name 'Jobe' on the rear of his shirt to avoid the weight of his surname. He has penned a five-year deal and his fee could rise to £32m if add-ons are met. Bellingham penned an emotional goodbye to the Sunderland fans in an open letter on his Instagram. 3 It read: "Dear Sunderland, it's time for me to say farewell to all the loyal people of Sunderland, who have powered me through two incredible years in Red and White. "Your support, on so many occasions, has completely blown me away, especially in the times of adversity which we pulled through together. Jobe Bellingham takes swipe at Sky Sports pundits in live TV interview before awkward moment with panel at Wembley You welcomed me with open arms as a kid leaving home for the first time, and I am proud that our relationship has grown to be so strong ever since. "Your support for the team and I since I arrived at your beloved club was unwavering, and for that I am forever indebted to you as people and supporters. "I will always represent Wearside in all that I strive to achieve for the rest of my career, wherever that may be. "I hope that I have made you proud along the way, and in return you have made me the player that has reached the heights I find myself at today. So thank you. "I will love and remember you fondly for the rest of my life, from the bottom of my heart. "I tried to embody the passion you have for the city on the football pitch and I'm so incredibly delighted that our journey came to an end with a victory at Wembley to restore the club in its rightful place. "To the staff, players & most importantly the supporters thank you so much & good luck for the future. "Jobe, Adopted Mackem."

Extremely reclusive Hollywood star makes very rare public appearance with wife – can you guess who he is?
Extremely reclusive Hollywood star makes very rare public appearance with wife – can you guess who he is?

Scottish Sun

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  • Scottish Sun

Extremely reclusive Hollywood star makes very rare public appearance with wife – can you guess who he is?

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