To help underprivileged young people gain self-confidence and self-sufficiency, the BNP Paribas Foundation has launched the Dream Up programme in 26 markets, including seven projects in the Asia Pacific region.

Following the successful outcome of a philanthropy pilot programme run in 12 markets, including Hong Kong, India, Singapore and Taiwan, between 2012 and 2014, the BNP Paribas Foundation this year has decided to expand the programme to 26 markets on five continents under the new title “Dream Up”.

The Dream Up programme is now the flagship of the BNP Paribas Foundation’s international philanthropy work.

The Dream Up programme is designed to encourage underprivileged young people to practice an art form which can improve their self-confidence. Over three school years, some 30,000 youngsters across the world will be given the opportunity to receive training and regularly practice in one or more artistic fields.

The seven projects running in Asia Pacific are:

Australia : Arts in the Dust

China : Creative Development Project

Hong Kong : Artists-in-Residence Project

India : Mehli Mehta Music Foundation’s Discover Music Programme

Singapore : Little Arts Academy

South Korea : Little Drums for Big Smiles

Taiwan : Aborigines Sustainable Education Programme

Each project will receive a grant worth €20,000 per year over three years. To be eligible for the “Dream Up” support, the project must be designed to benefit children or teenagers from five to 18 years old, who come from an underprivileged background, live with a specific handicap or are failing in their schooling.

It must also be running in a town or neighbourhood close to a BNP Paribas Group establishment so as to give the local BNP Paribas staff an opportunity to get involved in the project activities.

Eric Raynaud, CEO for BNP Paribas Asia Pacific, said: “Building on BNP Paribas’ longstanding support in art and education, we strongly believe that the Dream Up programme will contribute to promoting social integration, personal fulfilment and talent development among underprivileged young people across the region. We hope that through the exposure to different art forms, all the young participants will be able to unleash their creativity and boost their self-confidence in both their studies and personal development.”

Almost all the Dream Up projects commenced simultaneously in September 2015.