• Target Keystage(s): Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2,
• Curriculum Subject(s): Music,
• Who Do We Think We Are Theme(s): Britishness, national identity/values & 2012 Games, History/Settlement, Relationships, belonging and faith, School & Community,

Above: Music for Change website

Music for Change is an educational charity that works with skilled artists originating from countries across the world to promote awareness, understanding and respect for cultural diversity through music and the performing arts.  Specific art forms featured in their recent work include West African (djembe) drumming, Indian Kathak dance and Chinese folk dance.

The role of the organisation is to encourage people to celebrate cultural commonality and diversity whilst challenging preconceptions and prejudice. Their team of artists, arts administrators and educators develop projects in collaboration with schools and community groups and provide a range of live workshops as well as interactive learning resources for children and young people.

The Music for Change website provides information about workshops, performances, educational projects and events that can be tailored and delivered in a variety of educational settings to suit teaching and learning across the educational phases, from Foundation Stage through to Post-16.

Current and recent projects have touched on issues such as awareness raising about the Refugee and Asylum Seeker experience, Migration, the Environment, Black History and Heritage in the UK, Sport and Creativity, the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and Healthy Living.

Reel Lives Sierra Leone DVD:

Reel Lives Sierra Leone is an interactive DVD to help children and young people learn about life in this West African country, and challenge traditional misconceptions. During the 45 minute DVD a range of cross curricular resources are introduced by a musician and storyteller from Sierra Leone - including children's stories, photos, games and music that can be played along to. The accompanying teachers' booklet also provides creative classroom ideas and activities, and useful background information.

Reel Lives Kolkata DVD:

This cross-curricular, interactive DVD resource uses video, music, dance and photos to explore life in Kolkata, India. Over an hour of footage covers a day in the life of two children, as well as information about topics such as traffic, Hinduism, and silk. The DVD and accompanying teachers' booklet provide a range of creative teaching and learning activities, including curriculum links. The resource also contains a market quiz, traffic surveys and a film about block printing.

Both DVD resources are suitable for use in primary schools at Key Stages 1 and 2 and can be purchased via the Music for Change website.

For further information, please visit the Music for Change website, or contact the charitable organisation c/o:

Music for Change
19b Roper Close
Canterbury Kent
CT2 7EP

Tel: (01227) 459243
Fax: (01227) 455662
Email: info@musicforchange.org