‘Orin Jojolo’s’ just concluded ‘School Round Project’ is promoting music education in underserved Nigerian schools across Lagos and Ile-Ife, Osun State.
A flagship outreach initiative, the week-long programme offers practical workshop, school-wide singings sessions, classroom demonstration and training opportunity for pupils and teachers, in a manner that blends African musical traditions with international pedagogy.
Founded by music education expert, Olayinka Oke, ‘Orin Jojolo’ translates to ‘Songs of Childhood’ in Yoruba, and embodies Oke’s belief that Africa’s future lies in education that honours the past while equipping Africa’s youth for the world.
Thus, she set out to prove with her organization that an African musical education cannot only be aligned to global best practices, but that quality and affordable music education, the kind that nurtures creativity, cultural identity and leadership in young learners, is possible for children in underserved schools.
Post the School Round Project’s flag-off last year, ‘Orin Jojolo’ has impacted the lives of over a hundred pupils and students across Nigeria and the diaspora through its weekly classes, choir projects, teacher training and performance showcases. It not only affirms the organization’s goal ‘to not just teach music rather use music as a platform for holistic education, cultural affirmation and social transformation’, but achieves its core vision of ‘raising a new generation of African learners who are confident, creative and globally minded, one song at a time’.
Testifying of the effectiveness of the project are students and teachers from benefitting schools said:
“This is the best week we’ve ever had. I didn’t know music could be this fun and serious at the same time,” said Primary 6 pupil at Queens and Kings International School, Lagos.
“I want to be a music teacher like Aunty Yinka. She made us feel proud of our culture,” said Grade 5 pupil at New Waves School, Ile Ife.
“The lesson structure was quite engaging. I’ve picked up techniques I’ll use in teaching,” said a Music teacher in Osun State.
Meantime, a Redeemers Primary School Lagos, teacher says, “It wasn’t just entertainment, it was a solid pedagogy. Our pupils were challenged and excited at once.”
A graduate of Music, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Oke’s passion to foster quality and adaptable music education system across Nigeria and in the diaspora, drove her to further her knowledge and musical skills via two Masters degree, one in Music Education – Instrumental and Vocal Teaching, from the University of York, England, another in Interdisciplinary Studies, Buffalo State University, New York, USA.
Her diverse classroom experience across continents shaped her understanding of how culturally responsive teaching can inspire learners, foster critical thinking and build global competence, through music.
