Imagine is an after-school music programme for children with special needs.
One of Imagine’s focus is after school programmes run for children at all levels of personal and musical ability. The groups consist of 75% of children with special needs such as autism, ADHD, behavioural issues, sensory and learning difficulties. The aim of the group is to create an ‘Inclusive Band’ where participants of different ages and musical ability work together through the course of the school year, to practice and perform in community centres, old-age homes and at community events.
This programme has shown exceptional improvements in musical, personal and interpersonal skills as well as physical and social improvements and changes to behaviour at home.
Omer has autism and studies in a special education class. He has been with Imagine for 5 years, starting as a shy introverted teenager, joining the programme because he wanted to play the guitar.
It took him a while to open up, but by the end of the first year, he performed as a lead vocal and guitar at the end of year show.
His teacher was very excited by the progress he had made and convinced the head of the school to bring IMAGINE to the whole class. They have since performed for the school on 2 occasions for audiences outside the school and even performed in the parliament.
This made Omer very popular, and a kind of a “rock star” in the school and he was chosen for the students’ council of his class.
His parents couldn’t believe his progress and how much being part of ‘Imagine’ had transformed his life.
