In memory of Felix

Huay Nam Yen School, Thailand

Felix Cooper Robinson died just days after his 19th birthday when the bus he was travelling on in Thailand was involved in an accident. Felix, who was set to study economics at Manchester University, was passionate about travel and music. His family is asking for donations in his memory to go to Musequality.

The first project funded by donations in memory of Felix has just started in Huay Nam Yen school in northern Thailand. Like the Musequality project at nearby Ban Mok Cham school, the programme will focus on teaching children the traditional music of the Shan hill-tribe community.

Huay Nam Yen School is primary with six classes and a small nursery, catering for about 230 students. The children are all either Shan or from the Lahu hill-tribe. The school has already benefited from a visiting schools community programme, gaining a library, toilets and a fresh water system with the help of schools in the UK and Hong Kong. However, as with all similar schools, Huay Nam Yen is understaffed and things like sport, music and art can go by the board unless someone takes a special interest.

The money received by Musequality from Felix’s memorial has paid for traditional musical instruments, which were handed over in a delightful ceremony. The children, having been told Felix’s story, were happy and excited to receive them. It is hoped the instruments can be stored in a wooden cabinet, built by local craftsmen, with Felix’s name engraved on a plaque. Musequality has also arranged for a music teacher to visit every Monday.

Musequality hopes to continue to raise funds to support the music project at Huay Nam Yen school.