About Us | Child's Play

The Inspiration

In the slums of Venezuela, thousands of children have a new life, thanks to an unlikely teacher – classical music.

El Sistema (the System) has tackled poverty among Venezuela’s poorest children by teaching them to play the instruments of an orchestra. In the process, these children – who may have otherwise gone down the drugs and drink route – are now part of one of the world’s greatest youth orchestras – the Simón Bolivar Youth Orchestra.

The success of the El Sistema has been duplicated in many countries. Venezuela itself has hundreds of centres all over the country. Other Latin American countries have come on board, determined to use this simple, but effective method to give their children a reason to grow up and lead a life of dignity, joy and empowerment.

Our dream is to re-create El Sistema in India. Millions of children grow up without the opportunity to go beyond their circumstances. Child’s Play hopes to give some of them a way out.

Music lights up our lives; may it happen for them too.

About the Child's Play (India) Foundation

Founded in 2007, The Child’s Play (India) Foundation works to bring classical music to underprivileged children in India. By doing so, we want to give children an opportunity to make music, learn a new skill and lead a life of empowerment.

Objectives
“Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens, noble human beings.” – Dr. Shinichi Suzuki

* To introduce western classical music to underprivileged and street children in India,
* To provide, through music education, a sense of discipline, self-esteem and possible career opportunities for deprived youngsters,
* To mentor and encourage all children to reach their maximum potential,
* To encourage excellence and creativity,
* To engage the local music community in developing the talent of children who are not part of the mainstream

Our Team

Dr.Luis Dias

Project Director

Luis is a physician, musician and co-founder of CPIF. In 2007, he began to wonder why India, with over a billion people, did not have the world standard in classical music that other, smaller countries seemed to have. Through sheer serendipity, that year at the BBC Proms, two unusual orchestras took centre stage and turned a passing thought into a passionate mission. The El Sistema orchestra (Venezuela) and Soweto Strings Orchestra (South Africa) are both made up of underprivileged children. Their performances belied their humble background - they played worthy of the Albert Hall and the other performers in the festival. That was the launch of CPIF. If Venezuela & South Africa could do it, why not India?

Our Trustees

Chryselle D'Silva Dias, Trustee
Maite Dias, Trustee
Isabel Santa Rita Vas, Trustee