http://www.newcastlepartnership.org.uk/

The Lions of Zululand, a singing and dance troop from South Africa, today visited a Tyneside School to help local children celebrate the launch of their new Samba Band.

Sir Charles Parsons School, for pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties, were recently awarded funding for new Samba drum equipment at Newcastle Partnership’s Children and Young People’s (CYP) U decide event held last December.

To mark the occasion, the school invited along the Lions of Zululand, a touring singing and dance troop from Durban, South Africa. The group of twelve energetic and enthusiastic singers spent the morning at the school kicking-off with an amazing colourful and lively stage production followed by a range of workshops where children learn songs, dances and art depicting the life and culture of the Zulus.

U decide, is a Participatory Budget initiative funded by Newcastle Partnership that encourages Children and Young People to spend £25,000 of public money on projects centered around four themes: crime and policing, sports and leisure, playing outdoors and respect for children and young people.

Over 100 CYP attended the event held at Eldon Leisure Centre in December 2006.  Each group were asked to build a model using materials provided to demonstrate their ideas. The groups then had a chance to look at and consider each other’s projects.  The event concluded with each group presenting their ideas and then the successful projects were picked by the CYP in attendance on the day.

The children of Sir Charles Parsons School were one of the winning projects and received £1,800 for the purchase of the school’s own Samba Drums.

John Preston, Head teacher at the school commented: “It’s rewarding to think that children voted at the U decide event for our Samba Drumming Band to receive funds to buy our instruments. Our band is delighted and will enjoy sharing their South American music with other students, the community and other schools.”

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