Project Suriname BOOK4KIDS 2009 has been succesfully launced by sending second hand Dutch school books to Suriname, where our partner foundation U-CARE of Wanica, Paramaribo, will collaborate for further distribution of these books to basic schools in Suriname. Continue Reading

Few days ago, Emmanuel Olivier (Market Development) was back in The Hague after a one-month trip around Togo and Benin. During this short period he could accomplish few projects and gather an incredible amount of information and trustworthy contacts in these countries. Especially in Togo, Emmanuel could visit two schools (public and private) in Lome and surroundings. Continue Reading

4 years after the foundation, Siva4Kids goes to Togo and Benin in Western Africa. Emmanuel Olivier, responsible for Market Development, has taken a trip to Africa to bring some educational material to help children in this continent. His trip will be mainly oriented to help children in Togo, a country where school is compulsory from the of age of 6 to 12 years old, but the literacy rate stays at 70% for male and the rate for female is much lower. Continue Reading

Bharati is music and a dance sensation from India. After Paris, Marseille, Geneve and Brussel was this spectacular performance, which containes more then 100 artists, to be seen and explored at the Luxortheater in Rotterdam, The Netherlands,¬†from 1st of September til 17 September, 2006.¬†The show is a magical musical which tells the tale of India and it’s many wonders to the western audience in a very colorful and with a blend of eastern mystical dance mixed with the music inspired by the Bollywood style. During and after the show the main role stars of this spectacular show took their time to support the causes of Siva for Kids Foundation by holding/showing the MUSIC4KIDS Album which was gifted to the representative stars of the show.

Other artist and known personalities who have already supported the goal and mission of Siva for Kids Foundation are: Bombay Rockers, the world famous boyband of Denmark,  PadmaShri Hariharan, a very respected personality of Indian classical music and  play back singer of Indian films industry and Martin Joergensen, who is a professional (FC Fiorentina) football personality of Denmark.

What is Bharati?
‘Bharati’ is a musical extravaganza, a delectable composite mix of the varied dances, music and folk traditions of India. Over the space of 90 minutes, the audience is guided through a brief but scintillating sampling of India’s rich and breath-taking diversity. Though just a glimpse, the selections hint at the hidden treasures of this vast and enchanting land; its regional, linguistic, historical and philosophical diversity; its myriad peoples, life-styles and traditions.

Due to continuous reinvention and renewal, these traditions appear to be in a state of constant flux. A taste of this infinite variety is offered in a show that is at once entertaining and intriguing. In making the selection, one of the guiding principles has been the search for elements with enduring appeal.

Music, dance and performance traditions have shaped the ‘collective consciousness’ of the Indian diaspora worldwide, and kept India alive in its collective imagination. Ingredients of popular culture have served as inspiration and link to Indian traditions and heritage. This show is at once a celebration of the vitality of these traditions and an invitation to sample and participate in their unique energy.

The Show
Derived from ancient Sanskrit theatrical and narrative traditions wherein the Sutradhar (narrator), ‘holds’ the threads of the tale, the audience is guided through a simple but contemporary tale of love and wonder, punctuated by a mix of 14 songs and dances. While the dances serve to induce a state of enchantment, the Sutradhar interweaves the distinct episodes of the plot that culminate in a single question of contemporary relevance. Along with the hero, the audience confronts the dilemma about balancing tradition and modernity.

Evocative of the best story-telling traditions of the East, where stories and anecdotes are framed within other overarching ones, the frames encompass a world in which the magical is normal and the normal is magical. The Sutradhar, a characteristic feature of rambling, multi-story texts, personifies the eternal appeal of a fine tale, well told. Irreverent and witty, the Sutradhar’s clown-like persona also serves to counter the over-emphasis on ‘other-worldly’ elements in Indian society.

Heroes and heroines of Indian tales usually undergo trials and tribulations before being reunited with each other. Veils of illusion that obscure and cloud truth and recognition, miraculously lift to bring about greater clarity of vision to unite the lovers. The songs are not random but establish the mood, set the tone, and offer insights into the mental states of the protagonists, thus moving the plot forward.

The hero’s outward journey parallels a deeper mystical one within the self. The journey must be made to recover roots, reclaim lost pasts and end fragmentation and separation. Unlike voyages motivated by glory and ambition, this story is about the journey within, not to foreign, unknown destinations, but in a reverse direction, towards one’s roots. The search is about the essence of one’s being and existence.

Tantalising glimpses of the eternal are seen in the rapidly changing face of India, displayed on the screens. These reflect the country’s cultural diversity and the myriad influences that have been absorbed and internalized within the fabric of Indian society. Bharati is synonymous with the spirit of India.

More about Bharati Show at http://www.bharatitheshow.com/.

Wlad is proud to show his CD of Music4Kids, he is the first Italian supporter to buy it directly from Catanzaro (South of Italy). Since the beginning I indirectly get in touch with Siva4Kids through the support given by Domenico La Ferla (Worldwide P.R. & Communications S4K). Day by day I realize that is nothing for us a little amount of money donated once a while to this organization. I trust on Domenico that is a good friend of mine, I trust on this foundation and on the projects that are always proven with images showed to everybody. I feel enthousiastic about all their projects and I feel part of them. You know, I like the music, I liked this CD, but the real meaning of my purchase is the goal of this project.

Here in Italy we often face organizations that first put money in their pocket and then they gave for charity the rests… I was always disappointed with this behaviour that happens when people is paid and get a normal salary to do charity…this sounds to me crazy! I really appreciate the work of all the guys of S4K for the passion they put in through a volunteered and non-paid job: this is what I always wanted to hear!
Now it is for me easy and possible to help them, and everytime a new project will pop up I would like to donate something. Calabria is not a rich region and unfortunately we know how important should be cooperation and help. We are lucky to grow up in a decent manner, we all have the opportunity to go to school and improve our skills. That is why I help, helping them to have the essential things that are needed for the education of a child. And S4K is the way to give them.

Wlad A. (on the left in the picture) supports Music4Kids from Italy.