b'Cyril Ramaphosa, and for many distinguished foreign dignitaries, including the former First Lady of the United States of America, Mrs. Michelle Obama. Since 1997 Buskaid has enabled six highly gifted students to study at two prestigious British music collegesthe Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) and the Royal Academy of Music. The first, Samson Diamond, graduated from the RNCM with First Class Honours and subsequently completed his Masters degree. On returning to South Africa, he won the Standard Bank Young Artists Award for Music in 2010. Samson Diamond now leads the Odeion String Quartet, University of Bloemfontein, Free State. He also plays regularly with, and occasionally leads, Chineke!, a UK-based professional orchestra which offers employment opportunities to BME musicians.Such achievements are a tribute to these young peoples dedication and discipline, basic requirements for anyone wishing to master the complex skill of playing a stringed instrument. Inevitably this training has a powerful influence on all other aspects of their lives. Many are high achievers in their academic work. Those children and young people who battle with problems such as difficult home circumstances, drug abuse, and bereavement find both support and solace at the Music School.Whilst providing a first-class training ground for the exceptional musical talent to be found throughout the townships, Buskaid also challenges its members to attain to high standards in all aspects of their lives, giving them confidence and a great sense of optimism about their future. In all senses they are role models and a fine example of how a modest endeavour can impact powerfully on both local and international communities.www.buskaid.org.zabuskaid.org.za/ 5'