Over 25 years of managing tours by traditional world music and dance groups, Indigenous People has developed an impressive track record and reputation for delivering high quality educational performances in schools, working with schools and local authorities from Penzance to Shetland.
“Some days will be remembered by pupils for the rest of their lives – this was one of those special days“
Lanivet Primary School, Cornwall
Our workshops introduce children and teachers to the traditional cultures represented by our partner African music and dance groups. Through direct participation and interaction with the artists, they challenge negative stereotypes of African people and encourage understanding, tolerance and the celebration of cultural difference. They also demonstrate the enhanced sense of wellbeing and happiness that can be generated through communal activities such as drumming, singing and dancing.
Our workshops also help to develop in the children important skills such as concentration, listening, discipline, creativity and teamwork in a manner that is fun and entertaining.
“Your visit to our school was the highlight of our African week and we were all very impressed by the way you and your drummers related to the children. The assembly was wonderful and you held the attention of everyone, from nursery to year 6 – for almost an hour. An impressive feat !”
Royston School, Penge
“The most thrilling shared experience of the year in our school. The children were gripped instantly. One boy in particular who is very withdrawn seemed to become a drummer himself, tapping and moving to the different rhythms. The inclusion of aspects of the musicians’ lives, such as the homesickness of long distance fishing and discussion about the instruments were so interesting, at times funny but moving as well. I would heartily recommend this exciting and enriching experience to any school.“
Victoria Park Infants School, Bristol
More information on Kakatsitsi’s educational work :
Educational Performance – how Kakatsitsi’s interactive whole-school performance works.
Educational Workshops – participatory drumming and dance workshops for pupils.
Links with the National Curriculum – see how the programme supports learning outcomes in England and Wales.
Links with the Curriculum for Excellence – see how the programme supports learning outcomes in Scotland.
Links with the Irish Republic Curriculum – see how the programme supports learning outcomes in The Republic of Ireland.
Rhythm & Health – the evidence and thinking behind the wellbeing benefits of participatory rhythm, music and dance.
Why Our Work Matters – exploring the social and educational challenges our work seeks to address, and how participatory music, dance and cultural exchange can contribute to greater understanding, engagement and wellbeing.