As a person who is interested in the charity sector and the world of international development but has up till now remained on the outside of operations as such this. This work experience gave me an amazing insight into the internal workings of a smaller charity and the different kinds of work the team here are doing on a daily basis. 

Amongst broader knowledge I’ve gained during my experience here it would be an oversight not to mention my improved understanding of music therapy as a practice. 

Having been shown the plethora of people whose lives have been touched by this organisation and using music as therapy generally, my belief in and understanding of the role of music for individuals but also for society has been expanded and consolidated. In two days I’ve seen the huge variety of ways music can be used to support caregivers and those in vulnerable situations.  

The cohesive and flexible nature of the smaller office environment meant I’ve had the pleasure to listen in on many different discussions and meetings and the dynamism this system of work affords. I was particularly interested to see the variety of projects happening internationally and hearing the individual stories of the charity’s operations all over the world, woven in with the charity’s consistent values being reflected in these throughout. 

Taking a closer look at the Music Helps programme was a pleasure as I felt I got a feel for a specific instance of change the charity was enacting and I very much enjoyed trying Chapter 1 of Music Helps (India) for myself. I could really see how the training could empower caregivers to integrate music into their care and the use of graphics and song really helped to result in an engaging but informative final product. 

This experience has given me a peek into many aspects of the charity’s functions, from fundraising mechanisms to planning Intensive Study Training. What I think will stick with me most in future is more of an idea which I saw guiding the charity’s work alongside its other core values: Sustainability. 

I was used to the word in a mostly environmental context and, although once mentioned it doesn’t seem at all surprising that it applies here as well, the necessity for international development efforts to create a change that outlives them, or in other words, not create a dependency. This wasn’t something that had been highlighted as much to me previously. 

The reason why I think I’ll take this forward is that on the outside of the workings of charities, we exist in the vicinity of as onlookers or donors. It can be easily forgotten and we can forget to hold ourselves, the charities and the system accountable for this side of sustainability in regards to international development.  

Alongside her time with us, Ella also raised £79.20 by selling a collection of old CDs online – a valuable and creative contribution to our Instruments of Change appeal. We’re so grateful for her support and the initiative she showed during her placement. The Instruments of Change appeal helps us provide the musical instruments needed to make our projects possible. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, our partners will have access to a new set of quality instruments to use during and after projects. These tools play a vital role in helping staff use music in practical, meaningful ways — turning new ideas into everyday opportunities for exploration, creativity and connection.