Qantra - from the Arabic ‘qantara’ (قنطرة) - ‘bridge’
Building Bridges - Through Music - Across Difference
The Vision
Qantra yearns for a world where people feel a meaningful connection with those beyond their own sphere, and work together both locally and globally, enabling us all to flourish in an equal world where we live sustainably with each other and the planet.
The Mission
Through music, to enable deep connections to be forged between pupils of different cultures, sharing perspectives, changing attitudes, and bringing hope and agency to pupils as they work together to create an equal and sustainable future for everyone.
The Need
In an increasingly uncertain world, having an awareness of being part of a wider community beyond ourselves is more important than ever. In the world of education, we are privileged to have the opportunity to open children's eyes to wider horizons, encouraging empathy and appreciation of other cultures. Working with pupils from another culture or background on musical projects that unite and engage them enables children to grow and learn from each other through a shared partnership.
Putting this into practice in a busy classroom is difficult and demanding. But it IS possible, and hugely rewarding. Through Qantra Services, I bring a wealth of practical experience from UK, Arab and African educational contexts, underpinned by academic research, to offer support and training for schools wanting to build meaningful connections across difference, wherever that might be. Qantra is all about building bridges, not walls, in a way that is fun, hopeful and empowering - being part of creating a better world for everyone.