THE HILL TRIBES ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC
August 12th 2010 08:13
Link: www.mirrorartgroup.org/
The village of Leepa in the Northern Thai province of Chiang Rai is home to the people of the Akha tribe. There are an estimated 80,000 Akha people living in Northern Thailand, one of several tribal groups in the region.
The Mirror Foundation, a local NGO that assists hill tribe communities, has been providing afternoon music classes for some of Leepa's young people. Since its inception at the end of 2008 the project has given kids the opportunity to learn a variety of instruments, in a safe and supportive environment.
Drug use amongst young people has been a significant issue in hill tribe communities. Many teenagers consume drugs because there are few alternative social outlets for them to participate in. The classes provided by the Mirror foundation have allowed young people from this village to occupy their time and creative energy with likeminded friends. As they improve, they tour other villages performing and sharing their talents.
The organiser and teacher, P'Nu, believes the project is an important step in helping kurb the area's ongoing drug problem. He grew up in a local Karen hill tribe village where the pastor taught young people how to play guitar in an effort to reduce anti-social behaviour. P'Nu's own experiences cemented his dedication to help local youth through music.
The music classes have helped develop a clarity and focus in the participants that Som Mai, one of the current group members likens to meditation. The environment these classes provide help promote team work and collaboration. Another member, Dtong Chai also emphasises the immediate reason for joining, "...to have fun!".
Despite the hard work and dedication of both Mirror and the young talent, funding for the project is in great need. P'Nu hopes to give each band member their own guitar so they may continue teaching and helping others in their village. If this were possible, members could improve their musical skills and pass on an instrumental heirloom. In addition, it is hoped that enough money can be raised to purchase new audio equipment, drums and five electric keyboards in order to build on the groups impressive achievements.
For the youth of Leepa this project is more than the sound of music, it is an expression of freedom through music!
TO DONATE or FIND OUT MORE visit the mirror foundation website
http://www.mirrorartgroup.org/
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Comment by thellie
well done on the article
just to clarify in case it's open to misinterpretation, p'nu isn't an ex-drug user, but grew up with drug users visiting his house - he recognises the smell of opium now from these early memories.
also, i think we have enough guitars now, but would be very grateful for some keyboards