Youth Day celebration uses music to promote inclusion and confidence

The Field Band Foundation filled the air with music, joy and pride during a Youth Day celebration held at Con Amore on June 20, where drums and trumpets echoed a message of unity and inclusion.

The celebration also highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to early childhood development, with a focus on building confidence and self-esteem during a child’s formative years.

According to organisers, this approach helps children better navigate school, life and broader social challenges at their root.

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Field Band Foundation chief executive officer Ushama Jerrier said one of the organisation’s greatest achievements is its ability to break down social barriers that often divide communities.

She noted that in areas such as Birchleigh, divisions between government, private institutions and special needs schools were once clearly visible, but said this is changing through the Foundation’s work.

“The work of the Foundation brings together different children to interact with children of Con Amore. These are human social barriers created through social status.

“However, when the band arrives and there is music and activities involving children from different social sectors, there are no barriers, only the joy of playing music together,” said Jerrier.

Parent Sijabule Behane expressed gratitude to the Foundation for recognising the children’s natural gifts and talents, and for supporting learners at Con Amore in a way that makes them feel valued and included in the community.

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Field Band member 16-year-old Katlego Lebisi shared how the programme has positively influenced her life and personal development.

“The band helped me with my confidence and offers a variety of opportunities for the youth.

“If you are dedicated, you get promoted to a tutor-in-training programme, which gives you the opportunity to work within the Field Band once you finish high school. This also helps with unemployment among young people,” said Lebisi.

The Field Band Foundation encourages young people to take full advantage of opportunities available to them, emphasising that while it cannot create jobs for everyone, it can help develop empowered, opportunity-ready youth.

Through music, mentorship and shared experiences, the Youth Day celebration at Con Amore demonstrated how performance and participation can help bridge social divides and build stronger, more connected communities.