Sunday Times 2
HSBC gives ear to Music Project
View(s):Music has the power to bring people together. It’s this universal power of music that drew HSBC to support The Music Project to work with Sri Lankan youth to establish a long term initiative of peace building through the twinning of schools and communities through music.
HSBC will provide financial support to conduct the Orchestral Programme for 175 children in two rural schools – Pothubowa Maha Vidyalaya in Kurunegala and Mallavi Central College in Mullaitivu for one year.
The children will be able to learn orchestral instruments including the recorder, flute, violin, cello, trumpet, clarinet and percussion. They will also benefit from specialist instructors and get the chance to perform and participate in various workshops.
“The project evolved in the context of post-conflict Sri Lanka. We wanted the children to have something holistic and therapeutic. The core of the project is cohesion through music but really it’s so much more than that. It empowers them (and their parents), builds confidence and gives them a skill that will stay with them for life,” said Trustee of The Music Project, Shalini Wickramasuriya.
Programme Director for The Music Project Saluka Kotagama added, “These children come from remote areas. The project provides them with a positive, uplifting experience that would inspire them to achieve greater things in life. While music is at the core of it, we are also empowering these children with life skills such as confidence, motivation and self-esteem by providing exposure as well as opportunities that would benefit them in any career path they choose.”
“We sincerely believe that music is intrinsic to the cultural evolution of a nation. It’s especially important that we look to the future and contribute to developing an empowered younger generation that believes in connectivity and social cohesion. Music is definitely one of the best platforms to achieve this,” said CEO HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives Patrick Gallagher.