Let them play
Play encourages children to explore and discover the world around them.
Amway Malaysia launched “Balik Kampung” earlier this year to promote mental health for children in small towns and villages through arts and music.
Last month, Amway volunteers and members of Hands Percussion, a performing arts group transformed, 120 children from the village of Bukit Tinggi, Pahang into artists, dancers and musicians.
They taught them to make music using recycled materials, to perform traditional dance, and to decorate floats. None of the children had previous training.
After only three hours, they put on a spectacular parade of hand percussion, a lion dance and five giant floats for their school headmaster and villagers.
Impressed by their performances, Mr. Thum Ven Keng, the school headmaster, said, “Amway has tapped the musical talent and potential of my students.” Later he announced that the school plans to form its own drum troupe.
According to Paul Yee, General Manager of Amway Malaysia, “Through arts and music, we help children gain self confidence and grow into healthier individuals.”
And that’s a rhythm we can follow.
Thanks to Joanne Yap and Sri Soekarmoen for sharing this story.