Introduction to SSI

SIS String Initiative (SSI) is an enjoyable and engaging student-led club in Shekou International School (SIS) that serves an incredibly meaningful purpose. We have started this club in August, 2020, when we were inspired by a school from AMIS that has been running a club where students teach instruments to less privileged children. Motivated by the act of kindness, we have decided to bring it to our own community. The mission of SSI is to bridge out to the Shekou community by sharing our talents and opportunities. We aim to achieve this through two different departments: training and marketing.

In the training department, led by Jessie Park and Tia Ching, members plan and give music lessons to students from less privileged migrant backgrounds. During these weekly lessons, children are taught how to play various instruments you would commonly find in a string ensemble, such as violins and cellos. These children, who have no prior experience in playing instruments, are given the chance to find their interests and talents as they learn in a caring environment with experienced SIS students who are committed wholeheartedly to sharing their musical gifts and expertise.

In the marketing department, led by Hedy Kwon and Seyun Kim, members promote the club and its cause through multiple platforms. Through the club’s website, the members not only share the learning processes of the migrant children, but also inform and enlighten the readers about music and strings in general. The SSI instagram account also updates people with the recent blog/article posts along with the status quo of the weekly lessons. Not only this, but fundraising is also a big part of the department, as it raises money needed for instrumental equipment as well as promotes the club, the school, and the plight of the migrant children.

The work we do in SSI is especially important since opportunities to pick up new hobbies, which many of us SIS students are able to get through ASAs and other activities, are not open to children of migrant workers. Coming from low-income families, the children’s parents are busy working hard to put food on the table, and they also may not have many chances to spend time together, let alone nurture their child’s holistic interests. Therefore, SSI, which exposes these children to the invaluable joy of playing a musical instrument, helps SIS students touch the lives of others in a very impactful way.