“Few occupations pass the solitary hours more fruitfully than the playing of a musical instrument.” – composer Stephen Hough.
It is a wonderful thing to play an instrument. A gift, a blessing, and a road to joy that I would consider without equal in the world that we inhabit. Music communicates across barriers both linguistic and cultural, and allows us to speak in an almost universal tongue. The Musical Youth Foundation has been providing thousands of vulnerable children with access to instruments and life-changing music education since its founding in 2007. After the swathe of challenges resulting from the pandemic, grant restrictions and of course, the global conflicts that are never far from our screens, this wonderful charity has seen funding dwindle.
Chris Maher, founder of the Musical Youth Foundation recently appealed for help in keeping this important charity operating: “We’ve always tried to be an organisation that people can admire and respect. Our work has positively impacted thousands of children across the country.
Children who learn to play a musical instrument enjoy multiple benefits including improving confidence, academic performance, mental health and social skills, keeping early leavers in school, and broadening their horizons. We like to believe, the future is bright, indeed a positive mindset has always been part of our core ethos but today we need your help….
We know people are under pressure, we know there are many valuable causes but we also know that for the best part of two decades we have made a meaningful impression on the lives of thousands of children in Ireland. Please help us to continue.”
With 9 million euro being spent on useless phone pouches, it beggars belief that causes like this cannot find some sort of state support. One €335,000 bike shelter would fund this project for the next ten years.
Food for thought, with our own elections now in full swing.
Words: Adhamh Ó Caoimh
To help the Musical Youth Foundation, you can donate an instrument, while cash donations can be made at MusicalYouthFoundation.org/donate
