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Making A Big Noise
Sistema Scotland believes that all children and young people have great potential, skills and talents. It also recognises that poverty and inequality in Scotland have a significant impact on the support and opportunities some children have to build their self-esteem, confidence and social networks. These are key building blocks in nurturing each individual's ambitions, skills and dreams. Sistema Scotland uses music and the nurturing of relationships to tackle some of those inequalities. With the support of players of People's Postcode Lottery it has been able to continue its work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The charity created Big Noise place-based programmes to improve lives by inspiring, nurturing and strengthening children, young people and their communities through music. Its long-term orchestral educational programmes are free of charge and located in targeted communities where there is identified need. Big Noise's inspirational teachers:
- celebrate individual and collective endeavour,
- encourage and nurture long-term friendships,
- offer support beyond traditional service boundaries, and
- build inner confidence and determination to help each person shape their own path.
Adapting Throughout COVID-19
Since March 2020, Sistema Scotland has continuously adapted Big Noise to work under a range of COVID-19 restrictions, from last spring's total lockdown to carefully-managed delivery within schools in late 2020, then the second lockdown in early 2021 and gradual reopening of schools in recent weeks. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, its priority has always been to maintain contact and support the wellbeing of the children and young people of Big Noise, their families and their communities. Having supported families with access to IT where appropriate, the charity rapidly established the Big Noise Virtual After-School Club: a digital version of the after-school programme - delivering almost 8,400 live online lessons to children and young people aged from 7 to 18 years. It quickly introduced group lessons, Baby Noise sessions and other fun social activities.
Sistema Scotland has worked closely with local schools to ensure COVID-safe, face-to-face delivery wherever restrictions allowed. Having Big Noise back in schools helped to give a much needed sense of something like normality for the children, and many said that having Big Noise in their school helped them to manage their moods, health and energy.
The children and communities have welcomed the continued interactions during this challenging time, and support from our players has helped ensure they will continue to make a Big Noise.
Deserving Causes
Good causes like Sistema Scotland receive funding from players to change lives and develop inspirational projects. Discover more of the great Charities supported by our players.
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Published: 26/04/2021
