Mitrata means friendship in Nepali. It's a word that epitomizes the meaning of love, care and support. Mitrata Nepal is home to over 100 underprivileged children in Kathmandu, Nepal, who participate in weekly music classes provided by the Playing For Change Foundation. The children look forward to their music classes each week and are grateful for the opportunity to express themselves and learn more about their culture and heritage.
The plight of children in Nepal is desperate; many are without food, on the streets, and unable to attend school because they are too poor. Due to the devastating effects of recent political conflict and civil war, there are more children without parents to care for them. Mitrata Nepal is dedicated to supporting these children into adulthood, assisting them in becoming healthy, economically independent, educated Nepali citizens who have the opportunity to pursue happiness in life.
In addition to their primary studies, there are four dynamic music classes offered at Mitrata each Saturday in traditional instruments like the sarangi, harmonium, flute, and Madal drum. All are taught by first-rate teachers. The students enrolled in the music program have shown such enthusiasm for their studies that they often show up early in the morning, before the teachers have even arrived, because they are so eager for class to begin. Rarely have we seen such desire to play an instrument.
Most of the children at Mitrata Nepal were either abandoned or rescued from troubled homes. At Mitrata they are provided a home, education, and the care and support they need. The addition to the music program at Mitrata brings inspiration and hope to these kids who need it most. The children are able to connect to their cultural heritage through traditional music and the classes help them build confidence, community, and skills they can carry into other areas of their lives.
