
By- Peetron Thomas
As we close the first month of the year, I stand as a voice for our children—our future. Today, I make an urgent call to our government, our leaders, and all those in positions of authority: bring back the school choir.
Bring back the children’s choir.
Bring back the music that shapes character, discipline, and unity.
There was a time when the sound of young, vibrant voices filled our school halls and national events. Choirs were not just about singing; they were about building confidence, teamwork, discipline, and a deep sense of cultural pride. They gave children a platform to express themselves, to develop a love for music, and to cultivate essential life skills that would benefit them in the future.
Today, many of these opportunities have faded, and with them, the structured musical development that once helped shape generations of students. We cannot afford to let this continue.
Black History Month – A Time to Reclaim Our Sound
As we step into Black History Month, let us remember that our ancestors cried with melodies of praise. Their songs carried them through oppression, hardship, and struggle. Music was their strength, their unity, their expression of resilience and faith.

Now, as a free people, we must not lose that power. We are no longer enslaved in freedom, but we must train up our children in the way they should go. Let us instill in them the songs of strength, the sounds of unity, the harmonies of our heritage.
What greater honor could we give this nation than to showcase our cultural roots through the voices of our children? What better way to celebrate Black History Month than to develop choirs within our schools, uniting young voices in a shared expression of our heritage?
Music and Literacy—A Powerful Combination
As a civil servant at the National Public Library, I am deeply invested in literacy, but literacy must not stand alone. It must be married to culture, to the arts, to the rich heritage that defines us as a people. Music and literacy go hand in hand—developing listening skills, focus, and the ability to express thoughts clearly. A strong foundation in the arts contributes to academic success, social development, and national pride.
I Am Willing, I Am Equipped
I do not make this call as an outsider; I am ready to act. I am a recognized singer with a musical background and experience in music leadership responsibilities. I understand the power of music and its ability to transform lives, instill discipline, and build lifelong skills. I am capable, willing, and fully equipped to assist in this vineyard.
Even if we must start small—even if it begins with a zonal approach—let us take that step. Let us reignite the passion for school choirs, allowing young voices to blend once again in harmony.
To our leaders, I say this with urgency: Invest in this. Prioritize this. Make it happen. Because a nation that silences its children’s voices loses its most precious melody.
Let’s make this year a year of revival, a year of rebuilding, a year of restored opportunities for our young ones.
Bring back the school choir.
Bring back the children’s choir.
Bring back the music that shapes character, discipline, and unity.
Thank you.
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Well said ,but I think between community development and the cultural department should put things in place…
A Children’s Choir would be a great way to reconnect young people with their cultural roots while also fostering discipline and artistic growth. It’s inspiring to see a push for restoring something that once brought joy and unity to the community. That said, efforts should also be made to modernize the program to appeal to today’s youth. Incorporating contemporary elements and ensuring accessibility for all children, regardless of background, will be key to making this revival meaningful and sustainable.
simply reinstating the choir is not enough—there needs to be proper funding, dedicated mentors, and a clear plan to ensure its long-term success. Otherwise, it risks being another short-lived initiative.