Don Bosco Vitthaya School holds event to showcase ethnic, traditional and modern music

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Vitthaya School in Udon Thani, Thailand, encourages students to explore different kinds of music in the classroom and in musical groups. Students practice their skills based on their interests and likes. The music course is taught in addition to regular school subjects and gives youth an opportunity to explore their talent.

Father Thomas Smith Daengampan, director of the school, initiated a special event known as “Music as a method of learning” which took place in the school’s meeting room. Students in the music course played in an orchestra and in groups. The event featured ethnic, traditional and modern music and included drums, percussion, flag wavers and more. The event was attended by more than 3,000 students who are learning to appreciate music.

“Salesian programs provide more than traditional education and include courses on music, art and sports,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Youth need opportunities for safe places to play and connect with adults and their peers. The event held at the Don Bosco Vitthaya School provided an opportunity not only for youth to show off their talents but also gave a chance to other students to learn about culture and enjoy a new experience.”

Salesian missionaries provide education and social programs in Thailand to give poor and disadvantaged youth an opportunity for a brighter future. One of the best known programs is Don Bosco Technological College in Bangkok, which has been ensuring poor youth have access to advanced education since 1949. Its education programs allow youth to gain the skills needed to find and retain stable employment. To do that successfully, the college has developed partnerships that help train youth in employment sectors that need a skilled workforce and have the jobs available to hire youth right after graduating.

Thailand has shown considerable economic growth over the last 20 years, reducing its poverty rate from 21 percent in 2000 to 10.9 percent today, according to the World Bank. Although the country has made strides in reducing poverty, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – Thailand – Musical event for students of “Don Bosco Vitthaya” school

Don Bosco Vitthaya School

Salesian Missions – Thailand

World Bank – Thailand