Martha's story is a heart-wrenching example of the impact of war on children's education. When the war started in Ukraine, She was only 5 years old, Her family lived in the Chernihiv region, which is not far from Kyiv. By April of that year, their area was surrounded, escape was virtually impossible and very dangerous. Martha's pregnant mother gave birth in the basement of the hospital with no electricity or running water.

Like so many children in conflict zones, Martha's schooling has been difficult since as her school was destroyed. Later, the family moved to another, "safer" part of the country. But missile attacks are still common, and Martha spends a significant part of her school time underground, a less-than-ideal condition for learning.

Martha's story is a common one in Ukraine. Over 3,500 schools in the country have been damaged or destroyed as a result of the war. Close to 2 million children are no longer receiving a normal education. Subjects, such as music, with the need for a low teacher-pupil ratio, are a low priority and are becoming non-existent.

This represents a threat to the Ukrainian culture and there is a real risk to traditions and folk-lore being lost.

More importantly, the benefits music education can bring to a pupils well-being is well researched. Studies report kids who learn musical instruments have a 16% higher score in Maths and Science; 10% increase in collaborative skills and, most importantly of all for children with this lived experience, 37% DECREASE in developing stress. The need to assist these children in managing their trauma is paramount.

We, at Geissen, have teamed up with Auxilium, to help in the way we know best. Auxilium is a Community Interest Charity that supports many creative ventures to improve communities. Geissens product aids music education by making it fun for children to play. We truly gamify music education by turning a musical instrument into a game controller. This enables children to practice and play all in one go. It also enables music teachers to give lessons remotely. Something which is very hard to do over video calls.

We have teamed up with Auxilium to provide our device and software to as many children in the Ukraine as possible at cost. Each £1,000 raised will give 50 children and their teachers the devices needed to ensure their music education continues with a little interruption as possible.

The Auxilium Society supports project of social importance. They seek to turn passive donors into active engaged Community social and impact investors. Through this JustGiving page, you can help support and assist in making a life long difference to the lives of children in conflict zones, children like Martha.

Martha is now 7 and has a happy healthy 2-year-old brother. However, the war weighs heavily on these children. Please donate and have a lasting impact in the lives of children like Martha.

Source: https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/music-theory/benefits-of-playing-a-musical-instrument/

To learn more go to the Geissen website