November 2016 45 www.bahrainthismonth.com Having founded Inspire Bahrain two years ago, musical maestro and social entrepreneur Lydia realised a decade-long dream when the US Embassy agreed to kick-start the project. She says: “We want to give people a chance to step out of their circumstances and into new spheres of influence, where their starting point doesn’t dictate their finish line.” Lydia is a composer and a theatre director by profession who worked with the BBC before trading that for the sunny skies of Bahrain. The scheme she created is designed for ages 10 to 21 and offers an array of artistic skills. She explains: “We provide a comprehensive performance training programme including speech and drama, voice coaching, singing, tribal drumming, learning an instrument and playing in a band. “It is designed especially for children from socially and financially disadvantaged situations, giving them an opportunity to step into their destinies by learning how to perform. “I strongly believe that this will instill them with confidence and lead them towards becoming positive role models and team players.” The students also get subsidised exam fees to achieve international qualifications from the London Academy for Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA). The funding from the embassy ends this year, and Lydia has turned to a crowd-funding platform to raise the money required to finance the current batch of 16 students plus an additional 15. “It is a worldwide appeal and we hope to raise a total of USD36,000. Depending on the amount of donations, those who contribute will get rewards of different tiers,” says Lydia. “Every person will be mentioned in our starstudded list as a vote of thanks. Other rewards include receiving free tickets to some of our events and meeting the students.” Companies and business firms can also sponsor one student for BD700 for a year. Lydia explains that the ultimate aim of the scholarship is to support the young people to go to university to pursue their passion for performing arts. “What is unique about the programme is that it bridges the social divide and discrimination between people. It is amazing to see how each student grows,” she says. When asked to recall memorable moments from the past year, she says: “The execution of theatre show Cats has fond memories attached to it for me and the kids. It was a show akin to Broadway, and every participant amazed us.” It is mandatory for 50 per cent of the pupil demographic at Inspire to be Bahraini. She then explained how the students have grown while training with her. “Two very shy Bahraini sisters joined us a few months ago. I was reluctant to take them on but their mother insisted, so I did. I realised that they have musical talent and can sing quite well,” she says. “Now, these kids have surpassed all our expectations. They are brilliant and have given great speeches and actually engage with the audience. They are confident but still retain their personality. “When I see these young people interacting as constructive role models in society, it moves me and we want this unique positivity that is Inspire to flow into the heart of this nation.” The funding campaign will run for a month starting in November. A launch event will be held with scholars and students performing together in the midst of potential sponsors and VIPs. To find out more visit www.startsomegood. com/empowerbahrainyouth. INTERVIEWS ALSO THIS MONTH: 46 THE CORPORATE WARRIOR 48 MADE IN BAHRAIN MUSICAL YOUTH PUJA TIWARI Lydia Martin, the founder of an organisation that offers performing arts scholarships to underprivileged students, is hoping to raise enough money to continue providing them with this enriching experience. Lydia Martin
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