“This program is transforming the lives of these girls and helping them heal, sing and dream of a better future.”
     –Sarah Hipp, LI Coordinator

Project Overview

LEAF International and the Wilmington Yoga Center teamed up to establish a music program at The Home of Hope Orphanage in Kerala in southern India. There are 2 music programs at the orphanage.  The all-girls program includes instruction in traditional dancing and rehearsing for the marching band. The coed program provides keyboard lessons to 22 students three times a week and guitar lessons to 13 students twice a week.

Background of Program

The LI India music program was started by Kristen and Loren, frequent attendees of the LEAF Festival. They started the Wilmington Yoga Center in North Carolina. They frequently visit India and approached the Home of Hope orphanage to see if they would like to partner with LEAF and their yoga center. They were very receptive. This is a program led by Wilmington Yoga Center with support and guidance from LI.

Meet a Teaching Artist & Student

Student: “Reena was six years old when she was brought to Home of Hope on July 13th of 2005. She and her mother, a mental patient, came to Kerala from Bhopal and had a very difficult time surviving. Reena fell into the hands of the beggar mafia, one of which blinded her left eye and severely damaged her right eye by poking a darning needle into them. This cruel act was done in order to make her a "better" beggar. The sisters took her to the eye doctor, but they weren't able to do much due to the damage done to her nerves in that one eye. Even with what has happened in her past, and with her limited vision, Reena has grown into a happy child at Home of Hope. She is in the 5th grade, speaks Hindi fluently, and has become friendly with the sisters. She is a delight to all at the orphanage.”
     -Excerpt from The Home of Hope webpage.

Instructor: Mr. Suil has been teaching music at the LI program for 3 years. Music is his main passion in life. He says:“I am inspired when the children compose their own music!” 

Featured Story

• The LI music program class won First Place in the All English Group Song category in the State Level Competition (for schools)!

Partners

Home of Hope is a home for orphaned girls many of whom have led traumatic lives sometimes as child prostitutes or as beggars blinded by the mafia to accrue more sympathy and money as beggars, or they have suffered other forms of abuse. Despite the awful trauma and violence these young girls have experienced their home provides a safe haven where they can feel hope and trust. The orphanage addresses their physical, educational, medical, and moral needs. There they are free to play and laugh. They stay until they are adopted by a caring family or are married or find a way to settle into an healthy independent life. For more information: www.homeofhopeindia.org