WATCH: Help teacher with R30k for UK band visit
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STRUCTURE: The band helps mould kids STRUCTURE: The band helps mould kids
“I can't change the whole school but if I can change one child’s life, I will be the happiest teacher ever.”
These are the words of a young Heideveld teacher who is putting his best foot forward to lead the Woodlands Primary School’s marching band all the way to Scotland.
But he needs your help in making his dream come true.
Tasriek Williams, 28, who was born and raised in Hanover Park, worked for many years at Mountview High School where he volunteered and started his own drill squad.
“I was their sports facilitator for two years and that is how the marching bands and drama classes started,” he says.
BRAVE HEART: Tasriek Williams, 28, from Hanover Park needs your help
Last year, Woodlands Primary principal, Anthony Meyer, visited Mountview and was so impressed with Tasriek’s squad that he poached him by offering him a full-time post.
Over the past 10 years, Woodlands Primary has forged a partnership with the Larbert High School in Scotland, and during 2015, a group of pupils and teachers participated in a student exchange.
Meyer explains each year the Scottish school hosts fundraisers to allow his pupils to visit them.
“Last year when they were here in Cape Town, Mr Williams had just started at our school. He really enjoys working with children and young people,” he says.
INSTRUCT: Tasriek with his Woodlands Primary School marching band pupils
In 2019, Tasriek got sponsorship through the Western Cape Education Department for his marching band and officials helped provide a meal twice a week for the children.
The band grew to 120 pupils and trains twice a week after school and participates in competitions.
Last year, they were ranked third in Section B of the Western Province Marching Association competition.
Tasriek says the student exchange with Scotland taking place in September will now also include a tour for marching bands.
While Tasriek is proud of his laaities, he will need to raise R30 000 if he wants to accompany them.
He says the Scottish school only raised funds for the children, and teachers must pay their own way.
INSTRUCT: Tasriek with his Woodlands Primary School marching band pupils.
Tasriek is now appealing for help in raising the funds to accompany the band.
“This will mean everything to me. I started marching because of the children, to give them structure, discipline and something they can look forward to,” he says.
“Most of the children in the band come from homes where there is basically nothing, and I can see the looks on their faces when we have the drills or hand out the food.
“Sometimes it’s their only meal for the day.”