Globetrotting piano strikes a chord with children's choir

Sunday 12 May 2019

A piano from Jersey is making its way across the world to bring the joy of music to children in a small village in Gambia.

Reuse centre Acorn Enterprises regularly redistributes items to partner charities to make sure everyone can benefit from reuse.

It chose Jersey Africa Projects to receive the piano, which will be used to accompany a children’s church choir from Jangjangbureh.

Pictured: Acorn's Reuse centre is located in Trinity.

The piano will be shipped to Africa later this year along with stackable chairs and several stand-up fans which will be used in operating rooms at a nearby hospital. 

Sue Macdonald, founder and chairman of Jersey Africa Projects, said she was "absolutely thrilled" to have the piano. The charity has built facilities and provided wells and sponsors children to go to school in two Gambian villages for over a decade.

Earlier this year, Sue called for support from Jersey people so that the charity can continue its work in West Africa. 

"As a small charity run by close family and friends it is not always feasible to spend hundreds of pounds on a luxury item," she explained. "The piano re-donated to us by Acorn will be situated in a Methodist Church on the grounds of a local Primary School, used by all and bring joy to the whole community.”

Pictured: Sue with the re-donated piano.

So far in 2019, re-donations from Acorn have supported local charities such as the Salvation Army and Mind Jersey. Prams and car seats have also been donated to The Bridge Child and Family Centre, while beds and mattresses went to the Education Department to be passed on to local families. Books, meanwhile, were donated to the Jersey Lifeboat Association for a book sale. 

Acorn’s primary purpose is to provide employment and training services to Islanders with disabilities. The enterprise is also eco-conscious and passionate about supporting Jersey’s environment. Re-distributing donated items to other organisations contributes to just a small part of Acorn’s commitment to reducing waste and is only made possible thanks to the "tremendous support shown by the community," as General Manager Steve Pearce observed.

“It is only six months since we opened our new Reuse Centre in Trinity and the fact that we receive so many items that we are able to assist other charities and organisations is thanks to the brilliant public response to our reuse initiative. Islanders seem really keen to get behind Acorn as an eco-friendly social enterprise."