Students at Aimeliik Elementary School are enhancing their creativity through a German-funded music and dance program that provides instruments and hands-on training. Led by music instructor Benina Berger, the initiative fosters confidence, teamwork, and artistic expression among young learners. Since its launch in 2019, the program has expanded with new instruments and workshops, benefiting both students and teachers. Berger emphasizes music, dance, and social interaction, helping students develop collaboration skills. With additional outreach in Melekeok, Angaur, and the Belau National Museum, she hopes to extend the program nationwide. This initiative highlights the impact of international support in enriching Palau’s education system.
The recent program funded by Germany gave teachers hands-on training on how to handle and use the instruments while students learned to play them in a structured yet creative environment. These lessons are designed to cultivate creativity, confidence, and teamwork in young learners.
Benina Berger, a German citizen residing in Palau and the program’s lead instructor, expressed her passion for teaching music to children. “I love seeing their eyes light up when they learn something new and enjoy themselves,” said Berger. “Children are authentic and unfiltered. Supported by their teachers, they gain confidence just by engaging in music and dance.”
Berger explained that her lessons revolve around three key components: music, dance, and social interaction. The social aspect, she said, helps students develop group dynamics, teaching them how to work together and understand their individual roles within a team. “Because it’s required in group dynamics, they learn collaboration and shared responsibility, which is a valuable skill,” she added.
Reflecting on her time at Aimeliik Elementary School, Berger noted the students’ natural talent and enthusiasm. “They are surprisingly talented,” she said.
Berger’s efforts extend beyond Aimeliik, as she has also worked with students in Melekeok, Angaur, and the Belau National Museum. She hopes to see this program expand to other schools across Palau.
She expressed gratitude for the support from the German government in fostering music education at the elementary school level. “I was thrilled to learn that Germany wanted to invest in music development for young students,” she said. “Younger kids are still so natural and peaceful, and exposing them to music and dance drives their creativity.”
Through this program, Aimeliik Elementary School is not only enriching its students’ education but also laying a foundation for lifelong creativity and collaboration, made possible through local efforts and international support. (By: L.N. Reklai)