Hantam Community Education Trust wins a Platinum Impumelelo Award

One of our long treasured projects lies in the barren lands of the Karoo Desert in South Africa. The Hantam Community Education Trust runs a dedicated education centre providing a safe and rewarding environment from which local children can learn to sustain themselves. The ACE Foundation has been providing bursaries for students since 2002, focusing particularly on helping the younger generations break into their adult lives through access to higher education opportunities.

The Hantam Community Education Trust has created opportunities for hundreds of locals in the dispersed community. Starting with school age children in basic education, HCET has broadened its influence and now works on projects for older children through to adults, covering education, health and vocational skills. Nothing is taken for granted and the students are expected to pay back what they can afford, in order that the next generation can also benefit. All the staff are local and they are clearly dedicated to making sure work is available in the community and is executed to a very high standard.

The selection process for an Impumelelo Award is rigorous and demonstrates that an organisation truly reflects the values of sustainability. The award of R50 000 (approximately £4400.00) was presented by Transnet Foundation at the Impumelelo Innovations 2010 Sustainability Awards in South Africa.

The Hantam Community Education Trust’s work is undoubtedly invaluable and highly commendable and we say huge congratulations on a well earned prize!

Photograph of Lesley Osler – one of the founders of HCET – receiving the Impumelelo Award.

For more information about HCET see our website: www.acefoundation.org.uk/projects/project-hantamcommunity

Brass Day flyers

Flyers for our Brass Day with Prime Brass are nearly ready. If you wish to receive paper copies for your work place or school, please email us at: ace@acefoundation.org.uk with a postal address and the quantity you require. Posters will also be available.

The Musical Brain

We wish to draw your attention to an exciting weekend coming up in October this year. On behalf of The Musical Brain we are taking bookings for this inspirational event, which will combine science and music in a dynamic and informative manner. Speakers including Professor John Cox, Dr Jessica Grahn, Dr Katie Overy and Professor Michael Trimble will lead lectures and discussions in the fields of neuroscience, therapy and music. The talks and debates will be illustrated by live concerts and demonstrations by leading musicians such as Ian Brown (piano), James Gilchrist (tenor), Anna Tilbrook (piano), and the Sacconi Quartet.

The Musical Brain is a newly established trust which aims to bring together artists, scientists, teachers, therapists and the public, in original and stimulating environments to examine the effects of music and other art forms upon the human mind, brain and body. The founding of the charity follows the success of a pilot event they held in 2009 with the Nash Ensemble. There was such an enthusiastic response that it was determined permanent efforts should be made to support and promote this invaluable field of study. The 2010 conference, which takes place on the weekend of October 2/3, has as its theme Robert Schumann - the man, the Mind, the Music, and coincides with the great composer's 200th anniversary. Keep an ear out for further events.

Bookings at: www.acefoundation.org.uk/courses

The English Song Weekend

This event promoted by the Finzi Friends will be held between the 3rd & 6th June 2010. For further information see the Finzi Friends website: www.finzifriends.org.uk/events

Last Place on British Archaeology Summer School.

Our Summer School on the 6th July - 6th August this year is looking for one more American or Canadian student to attend. For details of the course see: www.acefoundation.org.uk/courses. To apply please enquire at ace@acefoundation.org.uk.

Brigitte Beraha at the Cambridge Jazz Day

We are very excited to welcome Brigitte Beraha, top international jazz vocalist, as our singing coach for our Jazz Day on the 4th July. Don't forget to sign up on our webiste: www.acefoundation.org.uk/courses.

For more information about Brigitte see her website: www.brigitteberaha.com.

Hills Road Sixth Form College South African Exchange - fundraising news

Follow the link below to see the fundraising update for this local project.

http://www.hillsroadafricalink.paperviewer.co.uk/