Smile Foundation brings “Change Beats” to India

Change Beats” is a musical way to provide a platform for bridging the gap between privileged and underprivileged children on a global scale The five days workshop achieved its objective of Indian, Tanzanian and Dutch kids together making two songs about shared chances and dreams of children worldwide. 

New Delhi , 6 April, 2010: In an effort to bridge the gap between people from developed and under-developed world and bring them closer, Smile Foundation launched an exchange programme related to music (instrumental and vocal both) called 'Change Beats' for India. Smile Foundation has been chosen to host a musical workshop for young musicians from the Netherlands, Tanzania and India to produce three songs as part of the Change Beats project 2010. The initiator for the project is the Dutch collaboration of five development organizations called Change for Children.

Music is a very effective tool of communication and touches many hearts despite differences in language and geography. Priti Kalra, Senior Manager, Smile Foundation said, ‘Change Beats’  is yet another attempt to change the mindsets and perception of youngsters living in developed world about their counterparts living in other parts of the world with the help of music.” During the workshop, the children from The Netherlands, Tanzania and India have together mixed music samples and beats from both the countries to create a powerful new musical statement for bridging the gap and spreading brotherhood across the world, she further informed.

Noortje Bergmans, Communications Head, Change For Children, said:”It’s beautiful to see the cooperation between the children from different countries and backgrounds. They all speak the same language and that is the language of music. Through that they get to know each other and respect each other and can spread this feeling to all children throughout the world”.

As part of the workshop, seventeen talented young (age group of 13-22) musicians, rappers and singers from the three countries in three different continents were selected after auditioning for the project -Change Beats. The intention is to increase awareness and generate necessary action regarding rights for children around the world. Together the youngsters will make music video album consisting of two songs during their stay in India. The team consisting of underprivileged and privileged children, music production personnel from the three countries wrote lyrics and produced the videoclips during the 5 days workshop.

After the necessary post production activities people worldwide can watch them online and also vote for the best theme. The winning song we will be handed over to a VIP to raise awareness for equal chances for children and youngsters all over the world.

The songs will be a showcase of learning within the group of children – a depiction of what are the various chances that can be explored for children worldwide for betterment of their life and realise their dreams.

Music definitely touches life and moves people to do things for underprivileged children. The 21-year-old lead singer Chanel Dankerlui form the Netherlands who got associated with Change Beats 2009, said “Change Beats has changed my life as when I visited Tanzania last year for Change Beats, I came to understand that there is a huge need for the development of underprivileged children. Tanzanians are really talented as they make great music with little resources available with them. I look forward to further strengthen my association with Change Beats "

 Marvin, the 17 year old rapper form the Netherlands is very excited about his visit to India and wants to   work with musicians from different cultures across the world: Marvin said, “It is very nice to know new people and play music together and create a song, I want to spread the message of “equal opportunities for all” through the music I play and Change Beats has given me a platform for this endeavour of mine.”

Deo from Tanzania is part of a street kids project himself and got a new chance in his life. He shares his experience and music in Change Beats. “ I was very shocked to see street kids in India, as Iknow there circumstances. It seems that these problems occur all over the world. But good things are shared as well and I’m glad to work together with all the kids here and spread the message to all the kids worldwide”.

Change Beats is an initiative of Change for Children. This is a collaboration of five Dutch development organizations who fight for a safe environment so that all children and their direct environment are given the opportunity to act as responsible contributors to the society and get education, sound health and protection. Besides the work on active projects in countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, Change for Children also acts as a supplier of information for the Dutch audience about the development sector in The Netherlands. The five partaking organizations in Change for Children are:   Wilde Ganzen, Zeister Zendingsgenootschap, Net4Kids, KidsRights, International Child Support

To know more click on:

http://www.changebeats.org