TACC Overseas Donation

September 4th, 2015

Jonas Foundation, Tbilisi, Georgia

TACC donation in Georgia will be to a unique project - The JONAS Foundation in Tbilisi which focuses upon some of the most disadvantaged children who may be orphans, homeless or living on the street and certainly from very poor families. The aim is to not only re-integrate the children back into a normal society life through the medium of music, but to identify and support those who are able, to develop that musical talent.

Where there is poverty, hostility, aggression or an absence of family love and support, the musical programmes enable the children to develop confidence, express themselves and share normal societal life experiences.

The project, led by Dachi Taktakishvili (Project Director) started in 2006 at the rehabilitation centre "Momavlis Sakhli" ("house of the future") in Tbilisi and currently supports 59 children (27 girls and 32 boys) within 3 music-orientated programmes. The Group, Individual and Social programmes inspire and encourage the children to love music, through practical education with various instruments and social enrichment and integration by exposure to a wide spectrum of musical experience, such as visits to opera, ballet and concerts.

Where possible, individuals with specific talents will be supported to obtain musical qualifications.

TACC's donation will support three aspects of the overall project

	Children's choir – the choral group was founded in 2008 and TACC support will enable the choir of 12-15 children to meet and practice every week. In 2011, the choir assisted in the making of a musical CD ("Je chanterai la joie...l'étoile brillante du matin!"), in 2013 they performed a musical and try to perform 1-2 concerts each year.
Classes to two young students, age 13 and 14 – TACC support will enable Wasiko (Clarinet and piano) and Mari (Piano) to pursue further studies in English, in order to open up greater avenues and opportunities in their musical development.
	Piano lessons with Dachi Taktakishvili (Project Director) – Each week approximately 10 children of all levels are able to practice piano with the Director. Over the years, a substantial number of young pianists have been taught to a high level, one student (aged 13) to concert performance standard.

TACC is delighted to be able to help these children achieve new goals in their lives.