Melanesian Foundation offers support for music school at DWU
March 02, 2010
Madang-based philanthropy, Melanesian Foundation, has offered to provide a seed funding of K100,000 for a music school to be set up at Divine Word University.
Foundation chairman, Sir Peter Barter recently proposed to the University a school that teaches classical and pipes and drums band music and not one that promotes popular music that is often accused of leading young people astray.
Reflecting on experiences elsewhere in the world, Sir Peter said the DWU music school can develop in the young people not just their creative talents but make them community-minded citizens who can hone skills in team work and civic responsibility.
He said with the establishment of such a school, the students and staff can form orchestras and pipes and drums bands that perform at major events such as Independence and Remembrance Day anniversaries.
The former government minister who is a pianist of note for guests at his Madang Resort Hotel made the announcement at the welcome dinner for DWU staff hosted by University President, Fr Jan Czuba recently at the University staff mess.
Sir Peter said it is up to the university to come up with a proposal for the music school and Melanesian Foundation will donate the money after seeing the plan.
Fr Czuba welcomed the offer and said the university would consider it in due course. About ten years ago, Sir Peter also donated K10,000 to DWU that was used to buy a band set for students’ use.
