Letter to the Editor: Nelson Mandela Celebration

​Letter to the Editor: Nelson Mandela Celebration
for immediate release, 26 July 2018To the Editor:
 
It was with profound respect and delight that the Grand Monadnock Youth Choirs (GMYC) decided to participate in the global birthday musical celebration of Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday!  Each year, the legacy of Mandela is celebrated worldwide on July 18.  We collaborated with the South African Consulate in New York City, who offered personal greetings, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation in South Africa who agreed to endorse our involvement as a global partner.
 
Nelson Mandela’s message of peace, hope, love for the children of South Africa is the cornerstone of these events around the world.  Mandela is quoted as declaring, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”   His philanthropic will is well established in his post-presidential office with a focus of “liberating children from poverty through improved literacy.”  Since 2011, the Mandela Literacy Project has provided more than 100,000 South African children daily access to reading materials through containerized libraries with an additional 100 000 having access to reading clubs and books. 
 
Here in Keene, we decided to host our event in Central Square.  About 100 people attended to declare their belief in Mandela’s legacy, enjoy a concert by singers from all five GMYC choruses, and conclude the event with a piece of birthday cake! 
 
GMYC’s commitment to young singers has been a driving force of the nonprofit since 1998.  GMYC believes that, today more than ever, our youth need to be educated, respected, supported and loved by the adults in their lives.  As American citizens, we must set an example of right relationship with one another.  By celebrating Nelson Mandela’s birthday in southwestern New Hampshire, we join with millions of others across the globe who hold the same ideals and dreams for all our children.
 
Our deep thanks to local event partners goes out to Mayor Kendall Lane, City of Keene, for his proclamation, “Music is Literacy;” Rev. Elsa Worth, St. James Episcopal Church;  Rev. Patience Stoddard;  Vice President for Diversity at Keene State College, Dottie Morris; Wade Garrett, sound;  Gem Graphics, banners; Cheshire TV, videotaping;  and Hannaford’s Supermarket for a tasty cake!
 
Donations to support the work of The Schools Library project can be made online at http://www.participateforgood.com/projects/grand-monadnock-youth-choir-mandela-celebration  .  For more information about GMYC, or to sing with us, visit www.grandmonadnockyouthchoirs.org.

Esther H. Rhoades, GMYC Artistic Director
POB 54
Peterborough NH  03458