Music Basti

"Music Basti" began in 2008 with the support of Integrated Development Education Association (IDEA) to promote access to information and opportunities to children- at risk, through the medium of music. Music Basti's programmes are geared towards generating social and cultural awareness through music, among "children- at risk", who may be street children, runaways, orphans, abandoned by their families, society or education. This awareness creates participation and inclusion, along with promoting self-confidence, awareness and worth among the children. These values and attitudes help children excel in school with curriculum matters and outside. The vision for Music Basti is a dynamic and shared one, seeking a positive and qualitative change in the access of opportunities and information of children- at risk. It aims to create a collaborative model for use of music as a tool for personal and social empowerment. This will complement institutionalized learning and development, and help children achieve their maximum potential, expressed in ways they choose to. The program envisions a multi city network and links with artistes nationally and internationally in order to fully promote the message of empowering street children and the youth to make a difference. Music Basti is supported by Aman Biradari's "Dil Se" campaign, to uplift the dignity and rights of street children. Music Basti activities are implemented currently in three centers, 'Khushi' - Aman Ghar for Girls (110 girls), Okhla Industrial Area, Phase I, 'Kilkari' -Aman Ghar for Girls (80 girls), Kashmere Gate, and Ummeed- Aman Ghar for Boys, Mehrauli (110 boys). In 2010-2011 Music Basti aims to work with two more centers for children in different parts of Delhi. Music Basti has worked directly with over 200 children and over 300 volunteers so far, and reached out to over 20,000 people in Delhi and outside, through its music program with volunteers and children, short films, concert- performances and online social media. Music Basti is a not-for-profit project run by Integrated Development Education Association (IDEA). The YP Foundation, Aman Biradari, and Bridge Music Academy support its programs. Music Basti was selected for the Change Looms (DAC program) in July 2009 (Pravah and Ashoka). EFICOR, JCT Electronics, Furtados Music India and the Gibson Foundation among others also support it, and it has collaborated with organizations including CRY, iCONGO and American Center.