FOYSA Award

FOYSA HONOUREE Durand Samuel Abraham Durand Samuel Abraham has been teaching therapeutic music to profoundly deaf children at the V.N. Naik School since March 1989. The school is only partly subsidized by the state, so Durand has single-handedly embarked on many successful fundraising projects to purchase essential equipment. He has also procured a variety of musical instruments. A great deal of his personal time is willingly sacrificed to create awareness of the plight of deaf students. For live music performances by the pupils, Durand synchronizes the music with the movements of his deaf pupils and has managed, through innovative means, to teach some of his pupils to play percussion instruments. Durand has been appointed a hostel supervisor, with all the extra-curricular activities that entails. He also provides extra tutoring to pupils during evenings and weekends. Although Durand originally began teaching to earn a salary, this quickly became a secondary factor to helping disadvantaged pupils in whatever way he could. He says that their "smiling faces are more reward than any monetary remuneration." Among Durand's hobbies is sound engineering. He sets up sound equipment at school functions and is also responsible for the management and planning of school social events. He plays the piano and synthesizer at church services and assists the church's outreach program in spreading the gospel through music and ministry. Durand formed a band in 1988 and had been composing music for approximately ten years at the time of this award. He recorded a compact disc, without any financial backing, which was released in June 1995 with a group of talented musicians. The album was titled Back to Love by Durand Abraham and Friends. Included among his many community activities, Durand voluntarily assisted in program presentation, editing, and program development for Radio Maritzburg, a community-based radio station. Durand's untiring efforts have encouraged public awareness and have proven beyond doubt that a deaf person can achieve anything desired when provided with the correct guidance from dedicated teachers and access to the necessary equipment. ________________________________________ THE FOYSA AWARD It has been 30 years since Junior Chamber South Africa first embarked on its Four Outstanding Young South Africans (FOYSA) program. Since then, FOYSA has annually recognized the achievements of four South Africans who have contributed meaningfully to society. Open to all citizens between the ages of 21 and 40, the achievements recognized span the full range of endeavors. Fields in which awards may be made range from community involvement to economic achievement and scientific innovation. Past winners have solved social problems and have been responsible for outstanding community, political, and government service. Scientific and technological contributions, legal and social reform, cultural achievements, academic accomplishments, sporting achievements, religious contributions, and success in influencing public opinion have all produced award recipients. Ultimately, the FOYSA Award pays tribute to men and women on the brink of achievement and who are making a significant impact on the South African community. From ten finalists each year, four nominees are selected for the award. These four recipients have the opportunity to be nominated for the Ten Outstanding Young People of the World (TOYP) Award, organized by Junior Chamber International. Previous TOYP winners from South Africa include: • Bill Faure • Steve Kekana • Martin Rosen • James Chapman • Shirish Soni