Smile Foundation, with support from global music education nonprofit Children in Harmony, has been empowering children and adolescents through the Amani Project, a unique initiative that uses music to foster socio-emotional learning (SEL). Since its introduction in 2018, the programme has directly transformed 435 children across ten locations in Delhi-NCR, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
Music brings us together. It’s an emotional language that spans cultures, economics, demographics. When children are given the chance to make music, they can express themselves positively while creating emotional common ground with others. In the process, children also feel encouraged to strive for excellence.
The Amani Project, which means 'peace', works with children aged between 6 and 18 years, using music as a medium to help them transform. It also supports children become active in promoting equity in their community and in order to accomplish the same; music and emotional intelligence are used as enablers.
The initiative aims to achieve increased empathy for children who are different from each other. Further, greater equity among children, improved health and well-being, better attention, memory and learning; effective decision making, meaningful and fulfilling relationships with friends and family are also part of the bigger objectives.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Santanu Mishra, Co-founder of Smile Foundation, said, "Children today require more than academic learning; they need safe spaces where they can understand themselves, connect with others and express themselves freely and responsibly. The Amani Project demonstrates the transformative power of music in nurturing empathy, resilience and self-belief among children. Through our partnership with Children in Harmony, we are enabling young people to build essential life skills that will help them become compassionate and confident individuals, both within the communities and beyond."
The Amani Project reflects Smile Foundation's continued commitment to creating innovative, child-centric interventions that address the holistic development of children and adolescents and prepare them for a rapidly evolving world.
About Smile Foundation:
Smile Foundation is an Indian development organization directly benefiting over 2.5 million children and families every year through numerous welfare projects on education, healthcare, livelihood, and women empowerment spread across remote villages and urban clusters in 27 states. Please visit:
www.smilefoundationindia.org
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