Melodies for learning at Villa Road Primary

The sounds of singing and the playing of musical instruments is a melodic sound that is reverberating around Villa Road Primary and Junior High School in Mandeville, Manchester these days.

But it is young students who have been capturing the attention of their schoolmates, some of whom can usually be seen converging around the grade-three block to watch them sing and play their instruments.

These students are among the hundreds who are now part of the Music, Perfect Pitch for a sound Education programme - an initiative being undertaken by First Global Bank and First Global Financial Services in partnership with the Ministry of Education.

The programme is aimed at aiding grade-three students in primary schools in Kingston, Manchester, and St James to learn better with the infusion of music.

"We are very happy to be part of this initiative by First Global and the ministry where we incorporate music in our eaching/learning activity. Our students have been very excited about this programme. Even those classes that are not a part of the programme really want to join in," explained Valerie Clahar-Knight, acting principal at the school.

Business development manager at First Global Financial Services, Mandeville branch, Paul Ebanks, said First Global was proud of its involvement both in the students' lives as well as in the wider communities which they serve.

Success in the class

"I have seen that the students have really learnt a lot through the music programme. It has enhanced students overall performance. We intend to continue with this programme because we see that the children are benefiting," Ebanks said.

Lotanya Brown got first-hand experience of how the programme is helping her son, Leon Morais, to learn. She, along with other parents in attendance, expressed their satisfaction.

"This is a wonderful programme, and it means a lot to us. I have been seeing improvements in my son's work, and attitude towards his schoolwork."