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.

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“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.

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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.”