How we teach
Method
Two teachers, twice a week, free of charge — a way of learning that is collective from beginning to end.
Each informal song-and-music school is run by two teachers — in most cases one for voice and song, and one for rhythm. Some village elders bring their instruments and drop in to play.
One for voice
A teacher leads the singing — the songs of Lalan and the tunes of the region.
One for rhythm
A second teacher carries the beat, so voice and rhythm are learned together.
Elders drop in
Village elders join with their instruments, adding their knowledge to the class.
Close to home
The place of learning, with or without walls, sits near the home of one of the teachers.
Twice a week
Lessons are held on Thursdays and Fridays, each time for about three hours.
Always free
The teaching costs the children and their families nothing.
Held together, across the miles
All the teachers come together every other month — some travelling from far away — and stay in frequent touch by phone between meetings.
Three teachers coordinate the project full-time. They visit one another's schools, and other schools too, evaluating the commitment and performance of local teachers and students.