Make music education part of curricula - Anyaoku

Accra (Greater Accra) 8 Mar '99

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, secretary-general of the Commonwealth, today called on all member states to ensure that music education remains an integral part of their basic school curricula. This was contained in a statement issued in Accra to mark Commonwealth Day, which falls today. The day also marks the 50th anniversary of the organisation. This year's celebration, the last in the millennium is under the theme, 'Music'. In Ghana, the day will be celebrated under the sub-theme, 'music as a unifying force'. Chief Anyaoku said "I believe it is time that we ensured music education is, and remains a part of the basic curricula of our school''. He said that music education sharpens children's ability to understand other subjects, adding that studies have linked music skills with a greater ability to learn other subjects such as reading, writing and arithmetic. Chief Anyaoku noted that music is a universal means of communication, which is not bound by language. If well promoted, music could be the most effective unifying tool among the 54 member states of the Commonwealth. "Listening to music from other countries, open doors to societies we rarely appreciate or fully understand. To hear the music that others enjoy is a marvellous way to discover our common humanity and to appreciate each others culture," he stated. In a similar message, Queen Elizabeth II of Britain and head of the Commonwealth, said though the various forms of music indicate diversities in culture, its common tones and harmonies bring us together, "just like the commonwealth." She announced that the next Commonwealth heads of State and governments conference will take place in South Africa this November, to discuss the challenges of the new millennium and how to face them as a united force. Another statement issued by the ministry of foreign affairs, called on Ghanaians to salute all musicians "whose noble art comforts, entertains and educates us." It called on them to take inspiration from the unifying power of music to strive for unity, peace and harmony. The statement pledged the government's commitment to the promotion of the ideals of the Commonwealth, "which include the pursuit democracy, respect for human rights, affirmative action, non-discrimination and the lessening of income disparities among others."