With the help of ENERGETIX and Daimler
Ndlovu Youth Choir
From the dusty streets of Elandsdoorn to the stages of this world
The choir has developed from a recreational project for disadvantaged and at-risk children into an outstanding professional ensemble that is now an international sensation.
In South Africa, they have achieved a status as a source of joy and hope for the entire nation.
Here, the Ndlovu Youth Choir is regarded as the“young ambassadors of a united Africa”.
The Ndlovu Youth Choir was founded in 2009. It is a project from the CHAMP child development program of the Ndlovu Care Group and was initiated by the music teacher Ralf Schmitt. The original idea was to give children from difficult social backgrounds and with a poor prognosis a meaningful occupation in their lives. Most of the children have a very difficult childhood. These children have often lost their parents, and often their homes, to AIDS. Many of them roamed the streets without a care in the world, didn’t go to school and became pregnant as teenagers. Some also have a criminal background.
Increase in self-esteem
They were given a chance to rehabilitate in the choir. The idea is as simple as it is effective: if you want to sing well and loudly, you have to stand upright and raise your head. This proud attitude alone helps to increase self-esteem. Through its inclusive approach, the Ndlovu Youth Choir also gives a voice to those who would otherwise not be heard. The singers of the Ndlovu Youth Choir have celebrated great successes in the past. They have performed internationally and sung with various major artists.
All members graduate from school
All members have graduated from school since the choir was founded and no young person has become pregnant. This is a great success for the Ndlovu Care Group’s children and youth program. Many of them managed to start a self-determined, successful and independent life. They completed apprenticeships and are now working. The hard work of the children and choirmaster Ralf paid off in self-confidence, discipline and personal responsibility.
The children usually leave the choir after school when they go to study or train in a city. However, some of the young people are so completely absorbed in singing that they can no longer imagine doing anything else. In addition, many requests for performances could not be confirmed, as a school choir is naturally also linked to school hours, final papers and similar primary commitments.
Professionalization of the choir also offers graduates a future
The idea of forming a professional choir with permanent members took shape over time. You could offer a (paid) future to members who are really committed to this profession. It would be possible to expand the commitment, as you are no longer completely dependent on the composition of pupils. Talent could be promoted but, above all, retained.
Of course, the children’s and youth work will continue and is part of the choir’s flexible team. With this new direction, however, the choir is expanding its commitment considerably.
America's Got Talent
Probably the most important milestone in the Ndlovu Youth Choir’s success story is its participation in the American super show America’s Got Talent. The small choir from South Africa impressed the jury so much that the NYC was voted through to the final.
Even if they didn’t take first place, the children and young people are definitely winners. The experience, popularity and orders that have resulted from this performance have exceeded all expectations and hopes.
We at the Hugo Tempelman Foundation are particularly proud to have supported this project from the very beginning.
