Delina’s story

When Delina’s mum Ferewaini found out about Nucleo, she didn’t hesitate to sign her daughter up to the waiting list. Months later, when Delina was offered a place on cello, they “snapped it up.” The classical instruments were “a big selling point,” she said, after noticing that many local schools only offered piano, guitar and saxophone. Another plus point was the many positive reports she had heard from her local community: “Once you hear something from someone, it spreads across the Eritrean community in Kilburn very quickly. I heard that it was a great opportunity, and also that there have been some success stories of some students getting into some really good schools.” Now aged 7, Delina has been learning the cello for just over a year, and already Ferewaini has seen musical, social, and personal benefits to her daughter.

Despite finding it tiring at the beginning due to the twice a week commitment, Delina’s relationships with her peers strengthened, and continue to be motivating to her. “Her and the cellists are quite close… they have healthy discussion and healthy competition.” Arturo, Delina’s teacher, also commented on her connection with her peers: “She’s very social and gets on with other kids. Some kids will offer help if they are asked, but Delina reaches out to other students without having been asked, which isn’t as common at that age.” From a social point of view, attending Nucleo has broadened the whole family’s horizons; although they already had strong bonds in their home community, Nucleo has provided them with connections from outside their existing networks. “She’s got a good foundation, and so have I.”

Ferewaini continues to be amazed by Delina’s confidence: “Sometimes I don’t know where that voice comes from, whether it’s speaking to her peers, people she doesn’t know or her teachers. She feels confident enough to express how she feels at Nucleo.” She attributes it to the atmosphere that the teaching staff create when tuning students’ instruments and asking about their day at the beginning of each class: “They prioritise that personal connection, so I think the kids are relaxed and happy to talk.” She particularly remembers the time that Delina volunteered to play in an informal recital alongside some much more experienced players: “She was nervous, but it was really nice to see her show off even the most basic rhythm.”

Delina’s first steps on the cello haven’t been without their challenges. “There was a lot to take in with so many kids of varying ages,” said Ferewaini, “and I assumed that she would struggle because I would struggle, but she adapted and she persisted, and she is doing well.” Ferewaini also commented on the way that Delina has developed life skills such as multitasking, prioritisation and time management, despite being only 7. Arturo reflected on Delina’s perseverance when perfecting her bow-hold: “I encouraged her to relax. She worked on it for many months.” Ferewaini’s involvement played a big part in the process, too, demonstrating that close family involvement at the early stages can really make a different to young students’ progress.