This week, Tecumseh High School hosted an extraordinary cultural experience as the Volmoed Youth Drummers from Hermanus, South Africa, visited as part of their Drumming for Unity & Healing tour. The event, made possible by the collaboration of the school’s Social Studies and Music departments, offered a unique opportunity for students to engage with the drummers and learn about their inspiring mission of creativity, resilience, and community building.
The Volmoed Youth Drumming Project, part of the Volmoed Youth Leadership Program, empowers young men and women from Zwelihle and Mount Pleasant townships in South Africa, part of the country's most impoverished areas. Through the program, participants craft drums from discarded wooden pallets and use their music not only as a source of income but also as a means to foster healing and unity in a post-apartheid society. The program has five key themes: creativity and creation, peace and justice, reconciliation, healing and wholeness, and beloved community.
During their visit to Tecumseh High School, the drummers performed for students, shared their stories, and invited students to join them in drumming. This hands-on experience allowed Tecumseh students to connect deeply with the rhythms and stories behind the music. The timing of the visit was significant, as students in social studies classes will soon begin learning about South Africa’s history of apartheid, making the event an engaging intro to their studies.
The drumming project teaches participants leadership skills, offers therapeutic benefits, and inspires them to think beyond their current circumstances. Leaders Rev. Edwin Arrison and Rev. Rene August, who accompanied the group, shared insights into the principles of Ubuntu, the South African philosophy of shared humanity, and drew parallels between the struggles for justice in South Africa and other parts of the world.
The Tecumseh stop was part of the drummers’ 17-day tour across Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois, supported by generous sponsors, including the Happy Way Foundation. The tour has included performances and workshops, all of which help the group continue to spread their message of unity and healing through the power of music.
Tecumseh High School fosters global awareness, cultural appreciation, and meaningful connections for its students through events like this. The visit by the Volmoed Youth Drummers entertained, educated, and inspired, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
