The power of music to inspire became more apparent to hotel executive Wee Wei Ling after she began partially sponsoring harmonica lessons at two special education schools here in 2017.
The lessons made the children happy and confident.
Ms Wee also noticed the pride in parents when they saw their children perform at Pathlight School and Grace Orchard School.
Teachers told her that the children, who otherwise found it difficult to concentrate, were captivated when they attended music lessons.
Ms Wee, 68, realised that performing arts could “improve their self-esteem and confidence and bring comfort to their families”.
This inspired her and her cousin Wee Boo Kuan to start Extra.Ordinary People, a charity that provides performing arts classes and therapy to children and young people with disabilities, that same year.
The organisation has centres in Beach Road and Joo Chiat Place.
Extra.Ordinary People provides classes in dance, drama, vocals and handbells, among others.
It also offers art psychotherapy and dance, educational and music therapy and more for children with developmental and learning needs.
Around 200 children and youth are enrolled in its programmes.
Read more here.
Source: The Straits Times, 29 March 2020