Sri KDU National Primary School in Kota Damansara recently generated RM104,974 in support of Teach for Malaysia (TFM), a non-profit organization focused on implementing innovative initiatives to empower students and address educational disparities. The funds were raised through the school's production of The Sound of Music, highlighting the academic excellence and social impact of young individuals in the performing arts. Trevor Spence, the school's executive principal, emphasized that involving children in performing arts offers benefits that go beyond mere applause. He mentioned that research indicates active participation in singing, dancing, acting, or stage performances makes youngsters four times more likely to be acknowledged for their academic achievements compared to their non-performing counterparts.
"The Sound of Music, our annual school performance, extends beyond entertainment as we aimed to contribute to TFM's efforts in addressing educational inequality", Spence explained. He highlighted that the students' on-stage experiences would impart valuable lessons, teaching them to improvise, think on their feet, and overcome challenges and skills that are applicable in classrooms and various settings. According to Spence, early exposure to performance anxiety prepares children for significant moments in life, and the production provides a temporary immersion into different roles, fostering empathy and teamwork. He emphasized that while these skills may not have direct applications in academic subjects, the process exposes children to innovative educational thinking and instils a sense of accomplishment.
The Head of the Structured Performing Arts Department at the school, Foo Mei Kay, mentioned that the annual production involved 350 students aged seven to 12, who dedicated 11 weeks to rehearsals under the guidance of 76 teachers. Anthony Partington, the CEO of XCL Education, the entity that owns Sri KDU school, expressed the hope that the contribution to TFM would instil empathy in students for those with fewer resources and foster awareness of the well-being of others. The two-day performance, attended by 1,500 people each night, raised funds for TFM, including RM4,848 collected through a donation box and the sale of food during the performance nights.
