How Music Therapy for Teens is Changing Lives in Cambodia

Developed by Moms Against Poverty in Cambodia, the Music Therapy for Teens program is redefining social work by engaging struggling teenagers in therapeutic, creative activities.

In many developing countries, access to the creative arts for youth development is often limited to wealthier families due to the high cost of instruments, equipment, and private instruction. Furthermore, pursuing a professional career in creative fields like music, painting, videography, and photography typically requires higher education, making it nearly impossible for disadvantaged youth to enter these fields.

Breaking Barriers Through Music Therapy for Teens

Moms Against Poverty’s Music Therapy for Teens program was designed to remove financial and academic barriers, offering struggling youth the opportunity to explore their creativity in a simple, enjoyable, and accessible way. By providing instruments and equipment at no cost, we ensure that students can learn and express themselves without the fear of failure.

Through our work with at-risk teenagers, we’ve observed that unresolved trauma often manifests as aggression. Our program integrates healing through music with activities like sports, allowing youth to process negative emotions in a constructive way. How music therapy helps struggling teenagers is evident—by combining creativity with movement, we empower teens to heal, build confidence, and develop essential coping skills.

Beyond Therapy: Developing Vocational Skills

In addition to emotional healing, our workshops provide teens with vocational skills relevant to digital media jobs. The benefits of creative arts programs for youth extend beyond self-expression—they equip students with practical experience in music production, video creation, and digital storytelling, preparing them for future employment opportunities.

Following the success of these workshops, Moms Against Poverty Cambodia has attracted collaboration from various organizations, including the Forum Civil Peace Service (forumZFD). Our partnership has led to impactful initiatives such as a gender equality discussion panel at the Buddhist University in Battambang and a music video production for Khmer Musician Variety Geneva. Together, we are working on expanding Music Therapy for Teens as a structured, replicable model for youth support worldwide.

Join Us in Expanding Music Therapy for Teens

forumZFD Cambodia shared their perspective:
“We at forumZFD Cambodia were very impressed by the commitment of Moms Against Poverty Cambodia in working with young people who have faced early-life challenges. Their work demonstrates how to transform conflicts in a non-violent and creative way for the benefit of youth and their communities.”

By supporting Music Therapy for Teens, you can help bring healing through music to more struggling youth.

Donate Now to help expand creative arts for youth development programs and give teens the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.

Working together, we can change lives through the power of music therapy.