Ramingining School

We are sending 10 students from Ramingining School to sing in the choir at the Darwin Beat Festival. Each year students from all over the Northern Territory travel to Darwin where they perform together as part of a massed choir.  Our students face many challenges - a severe lack of opportunities in the arts is just one of them. None of the students attending have ever had the chance to be part of a choir like this before and there are only rare chances for them and their families to attend live music events. Many things that students and families take for granted in mainstream schools are a big deal here.

We need to raise at least $5000. Ramingining is 550 kms from Darwin and, at certain times of the year, is completely cut off from road access. It's not practical to drive and charter flights in and out are very expensive so even with some funds being contributed by the students' families and the school, we need some help to cover costs! The kids have been working very hard with their music teacher and assistant teacher to learn their parts and are VERY excited about being able to represent Ramingining and Yolŋu culture at this event. We'll keep you posted with photos and videos along the way. Your support will help us to enable this rare opportunity for our students. To read more about Ramingining School visit http://www.schools.nt.edu.au/ramingining/site/ 

Funds raised will contribute to the cost of:

-transporting 10 students, 1 teacher and 1 assistant teacher to and from Darwin by charter plane.

-mini-bus hire in Darwin.

-clothing (including shoes) for students to wear while in town

-meals

-accommodation

Our biggest challenge for this undertaking is transport and its cost. To transport 10 students and 2 staff members to Darwin by charter plane we're looking at around $10,000. The school principal has pledged $5000 of school money to the effort but there just isn't any more available. Students will participate in some local fundraising by doing things like selling cards made from student lino cut designs, selling cupcakes and hot meals in the community and participating in school events like the fete so we don't expect you to pay for everything. If we can raise at least $5000 with your help then we can assure families, the school community and, of course, students, that their efforts will not fall short - we will definitely be able to send them to Darwin for this performance opportunity.

Our students face many challenges - a severe lack of opportunities in the arts is just one of them. None of the students attending have ever had the chance to be part of a choir like this before and there are only rare chances for them and their families to attend live music events. Many things that students and families take for granted in mainstream schools are a big deal here.