Our Foundation
The ‘Music for Children’ Foundation was set up to bring music into the lives of vulnerable children and children in underprivileged environments. Children who would like to make music but lack the opportunities to do so due to circumstances. The music projects include orientation to different instruments, instrumental lessons, ensemble playing, band coaching, performances and exchanges.
Donse funds that the foundation receives are spent on instruments, fees for local teachers and costs around workshops, performances and exchanges such as costumes, transport, food and drinks. Board and music teachers from the Netherlands work entirely on a voluntary and unpaid basis.
Founding
Monique Udo is founder and formerly one of the implementers of the projects.
‘The pleasure I see in children when they make music and the joy and pride when they discover they can do something on an instrument is so heartwarming. Especially children who grow up in difficult circumstances, such as orphans, children with HIV/Aids or children in a difficult family situation, can benefit enormously from making music. For these children in particular, I set up the Music for Children Foundation. I managed the foundation with enormous pleasure until the end of 2016 and largely ran the projects myself, alongside the teachers on site. Unfortunately, increasing paralysis due to the disease ALS caused me to resign from my work. I am extremely happy and grateful that Samira Kaya and the new board members want to continue the foundation. I myself will remain involved in the background.’
On 14 July 2021, Monique sadly passed away. As director, board, teachers and volunteers, we are trying to continue her work as best we can.
Why Music?
Apart from the fact that children can simply have a lot of fun making music, it can contribute enormously to their development. In addition, it can give talented children in disadvantaged situations an opportunity to transcend this situation.
The children we work with have lost their parents, have had to live with HIV or have other traumas. They find in making music an important outlet. It also allows them to express their creativity and find their own voice. It is good for their self-confidence and self-image. While playing together in a group, they learn to listen to each other, respond to each other, take responsibility and work together. Furthermore, an increasing number of studies show that music practice is good for cognitive development.
Music for Children is committed to bringing music into the lives of vulnerable children and children in disadvantaged settings. For example, the children are without parents, have a disease such as HIV, live in extreme poverty or have parents who are addicts or work as prostitutes.
Music for Children works in different parts of the world. In Kampala, Uganda, we currently organise and support several music projects. We are also active in Colombia; there, vulnerable children receive music lessons in a number of locations in Medellín thanks to Music for Children. There, we work together with the local organisation Movimiento Manglar.
During introductory music activities, children experience what it is like to play an instrument and make music together. Children who are interested can then follow instrumental lessons. Much attention is paid to playing together, while the children also learn to read musical notes and other musical skills. For talented children, we make extra resources available so that they can develop professionally as musicians or music teachers. We work with both local and international teachers.
