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  • 1 year ago
They arrived as strangers with steelpans and nerves. But after just five days, 25 young participants of the 2025 President's Pan Camp left as confident musicians and stronger individuals equipped not only with new skills, but with a renewed sense of discipline, unity, and purpose.
Transcript
00:00As we stand at the end of the five-day camp, having witnessed the gradual improvement in the campers' social interactions, their pan-playing skills, and their positive energy,
00:13it is sometimes challenging to express the satisfaction experienced when one witnesses such growth in a mere five days.
00:24And to be precise, the learning of the song, Take Me Home, by Freetown Collective, was done in approximately 12 hours, just under 12 hours.
00:54The growth for participants wasn't just musical.
01:00The camp fostered personal breakthroughs, especially for those stepping outside their comfort zones for the first time.
01:08Because growing up, I was never one to volunteer or put myself out there.
01:12But here I am now, with the courage to stand before you, sharing my thoughts with you.
01:17We learn more than just the song and techniques.
01:20We learn discipline, teamwork, and the power of expression.
01:23I never thought about seeing myself playing pan.
01:27It has always come as an afterthought.
01:30But after inquiring the knowledge and the experience, it changed my entire perspective about the national instruments.
01:38Throughout the week, participants were mentored by top panists, legal minds, creatives, and civic leaders.
01:46During the closing ceremony, it was First Gentleman, Senior Counsel Coen Garcia, who reminded the nation that the lessons of the Ponyard extend far beyond the music.
01:57Every one of them rose handsomely to the occasion.
02:02They learned to listen more attentively, communicate more clearly, and collaborate more effectively.
02:09In so doing, they all grew in confidence and creativity, becoming more invested in their own development, just like their predecessors from last year's camp.
02:22He urged the country to embrace Ponyard principles, cooperation, and creativity as a blueprint for a better society.
02:31President Christine Kangaloo and the First Gentleman presented certificates to the young participants,
02:37marking the end of the camp and the beginning of their continued journey in music and discipline.
02:44Aksha Galston, TV6 News.
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