Latest news with #TeddyBearFoundationforAbusedChildren
The Citizen
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Holy Rosary hosts concert for Teddy Bear Foundation
Daniella Govender (11) and Nicholas van Niekerk (14) were among the young performers who took centre stage at the Voices for Teddies concert held at Holy Rosary School recently. The event, part of the school's Mandela Month celebrations, aimed to raise funds for the Teddy Bear Foundation for Abused Children. Daniella, who has been preparing for months, said, 'I was a bit nervous to perform but also excited because I know it's for a good cause. It feels good knowing it's all going towards charity.' ALSO READ: Holy Rosary School hosts powerful concert to support abused children She believes it is important for young people to get involved in community outreach and charity events, as it helps others their age who are in need. Daniella performed Vivaldi's Concerto in A Minor (First Movement), a piece she has been perfecting over the past eight months. 'I practised for about two hours a day from December through to August,' she explained. 'I hope the audience feels it was a great performance and that they spent their money well.' For Daniella, music is more than just notes and rhythms. 'It helps me express my emotions. Whatever I'm feeling, I put into my music.' Fourteen-year-old Nicholas van Niekerk, a Grade Eight learner at St Benedict's College, brought powerful energy to the stage with his drum performance during a band rendition of Don't Stop Me Now by Queen. ALSO READ: Faith and music unite gospel lovers at Emperors Palace concert 'I love playing drums because it lets me express myself in ways other instruments don't,' said Nicholas. 'There's also a sense of brotherhood when you play in a band. You challenge each other, try out new things and have fun together.' Nicholas was proud to be part of a concert that supported a greater cause. 'I just wanted to help the less fortunate. Everyone gets a slice of cake in life, but some people get smaller slices, and they deserve more. 'Sometimes you've got to step in and help, because life limits some people in ways they don't deserve,' he said.
The Citizen
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Holy Rosary School hosts powerful concert to support abused children
Holy Rosary recently hosted a soul-stirring event titled Voices and Vibes for Teddies, a charity concert held in support of the Teddy Bear Foundation for Abused Children. The event brought together pupils, educators, parents and special guests in a powerful celebration of music, compassion and unity during Mandela Month. For Belinda Damhuis, high school principal at Holy Rosary, the concert was the product of months of careful planning and collaboration. ALSO READ: Holy Rosary swimmer dominates championships 'It took a community to put it together,' she said. 'Our talented staff each took ownership of their roles, and everyone just ran with it. It wasn't hard work because so many people helped.' The event was inspired by a former concert held at the Joburg Theatre, which raised funds for the Teddy Bear Foundation. When that event lost its venue, Holy Rosary stepped in to continue the legacy. 'We had the venue, the talent and the passion to make it happen,' said Damhuis. Partnering with schools such as St Benedict's College and welcoming performers from Brescia House, the concert featured an impressive mix of choirs, orchestras, marimba and drumming bands and soloists. The dead of arts and culture in the primary school, Hanlie Hemansde Winnaar, said, 'We prepared two marimba bands, two drumming bands, an orchestra ensemble and three choirs. 'The girls love what they do, and we worked hard to ensure we were ready,' she said. ALSO READ: Holy Rosary class of 2024 scores 100% Fellow music teacher Linda Price highlighted the power of collaboration behind the scenes, 'We've worked with all the groups to get them ready. 'Our final group item brings together the marimba band, orchestra, junior and senior choirs, and the high school choir; everyone's on stage. It's a massive moment.' Beyond the performance, Price emphasised the deeper message, 'Mandela Day reminds us how important it is to do something good. This year, it became even more special as a fundraiser for the Teddy Bear Foundation.' Natalie Meerholz, the head of primary school, said the school aimed to raise at least R20 000 through the event. The Teddy Bear Foundation for Abused Children has been protecting vulnerable young people since 1986. Dr Shaheda Omar, its director, said, 'We work with all forms of abuse – physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, trafficking,' she said. 'We also work with pregnant learners as young as 10. Our mission is to safeguard, empower and support children, especially through school-based outreach.' Omar stressed that protecting children is a collective responsibility, 'It's not just your business or mine, it's everyone's. Government, civil society, schools, and communities; we all need to work together. And nothing about children should be decided without them.' She praised the event for combining music and healing. 'Music is therapeutic. It lifts the soul, reduces stress and helps children heal,' she said. 'Watching these pupils perform to help others shows resilience, hope, and purpose.'
