What we take for granted is hardly known in Cambodia. “Listen to music, sing, dance or even learn an instrument yourself,” says Viola Tami (40). The moderator is committed to Smiling Gecko’s new project “A container full of music”. Her son’s guitar is said to be one of many instruments that make musical education possible for children in Cambodia: “We have a lot of instruments standing around unused, but you can donate them instead. We collect violins and saxophones, but also cymbals, rattles and recorders. “
New culture for Cambodia
Behind the project is star photographer Hannes Schmid (74), the founder of the Smiling Gecko aid organization, who has been committed to the poorest in Cambodia for years; he has built a village with a hotel, school and agriculture. He wants to give the local people a new perspective in the long term so that they can lead a self-determined life. “The country is still traumatized by the war, poverty is great, but the people not only have existential needs, their culture has also been wiped out,” says Schmid.
Today’s generation of young adults grow up without the natural integration of tradition and music as forms of cultural expression. “We want to teach children not only arithmetic and writing, but also drawing, singing and making music so that they can create a new culture and live out their talents.” A project that singer Seven (40) is also committed to: “For me, creativity is a basic need, everyone should have access to it.” The idea with the instruments had been coming up for a long time: “Now we’re starting, for me a matter close to my heart.”
Music gives new perspectives
In the long term, a recording studio is also to be built in the village of Smiling Gecko. “There are talented musicians here, but hardly any opportunities to record something professionally,” says Schmid. Despite Corona, he is regularly on site in Cambodia, even now: “The people here need me, the pandemic has set us back, many are starving and there is a lack of medical care.” While he takes care of the most essential things, it is important not to lose sight of the future: “That includes music, it gives you new perspectives.”