Music Programs for Underpriviledged Children

  Kenya

• Mombasa: 
Mombasa

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: open throughout the year

Description: Nyali Music School & Center is laying musical foundation to the underprivileged kids in Mombasa and many lives are being transformed through this program. The School works closely with neighbouring children's centers located at the Bombolulu slums.

Talanta Kwa Watoto(Talent for Kids) Program for Bombolulu location is a project for Nyali Music School and Center. This project seeks to provide training in Sports activities (Swimming) and nurturing artistic talent (Musical instruments such as piano, guitar) and voice training and also cater for the facilitation of Talanta kwa Watoto rehabilitation awareness campaign to over 1,000 children living in Bombolulu location.

So far Nyali Music School and Center has been able to achieve the following goals:
- Over 100 kids have successfully passed Associated Board of the Royal School Music examination that the school offers.
- Provision of schoolbooks, stationery, clothes, swimming attires
- Offering Ballet lessons
- Offering swimming lessons from qualified swimming instructors

Nyali Music School and Center is the only center in Mombasa that assists and works closely vulnerable and destitute children.

Western music is not new to anyone here but most of these kids have never seen a piano nor knew a Clarinet existed. Many of them have heard these instruments played in the music they listen to, but had no idea they could make those sounds some day. The most exciting part so far has been to watch these students discover new things about music and themselves.

Teaching is a challenge and teaching music is no exception. The school has offered it few instruments to be used to make this project a reality. Many of the children reached by this program have experienced extreme poverty, violence in their homes and go to locals schools located in the slums. The age ranges from 4 years to 17 years.

Most hospitals, businesses, banks, shops and markets are situated in the heart of the town. Being a small town (about half a million population), Mombasa does not have a subway system. However, one can easily get around using the local bus service; or for a truly Kenyan experience a ride in a Matatu- which is quite a unique adventure.

Highlights: We believe that music participation is an essential element in the fabric of an enduring society. We believe to have the benefits of making music available to everyone in the communities in which we live, to promote its importance through education and media initiatives. Our Vision statement is that we understand the impact music has on the lives of all people of all ages, and the tremendous gift it brings to participants and listeners. We understand the power of music on the soul and the vehicle it provides for our sanity, health and creativity. We want to make that gift available to everyone with the understanding that the process of participating in music is a means to this end - that people don't have to be rock stars or professional musicians to enjoy the rewards of music participation and that age is not a factor in the enjoyment or ability to learn to play music. With your help, we can make a difference in people's lives by providing them a gift that lasts a life time!

Qualifications: This programs requires people with musical knowledge & ability to play instrument such as the Piano, Guitar, Violin, Flute, Recorder, Trumpet, Saxophone, Trombone and Drums. Other activities include group singing, swimming & dances like Salsa and anybody who can teach them will have an added advantage to be accepted into the volunteer program.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: USD 450

Experience Required: yes

Musical background

Typical Volunteer: Any willing person who is ready to help other children discover their talents.

Age Range: 18 years and above

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference

Nyali Music School & Center's Mission Statement: To provide & offer opportunities to children of all walks of life to discover their talents which will enable them to gain experience and build their capacities for their lives and that of future generations.

Year Founded: 2000