The first chapter of “A Child’s Universe” – a music exploration and creative experience for children with cancer

Every child has a universe of their own – a place where imagination knows no limits and every star and planet is part of a world they create themselves.

For every child, play, exploration, and interaction with the world are essential parts of growing up. Yet for many children undergoing cancer treatment, these experiences are often replaced by hospital routines, medical tests, and procedures. That is why creating positive experiences within the hospital is also an important part of psychosocial care.

Inspired by the theme “A Child’s Universe,” Can-Clover’s music exploration and creative experience invited children with cancer to do more than simply listen to music. They were encouraged to touch and explore musical instruments, feel their vibrations beneath their fingertips, discover the unique qualities of different sounds, and create melodies of their own. No previous musical experience was needed, each child could participate in a way that felt comfortable and at their own pace.

Interactive musical activities and opportunities for children to create sounds themselves can help reduce psychological stress, improve mood, and foster positive experiences throughout treatment. Research also suggests that shared musical experiences can strengthen family bonds as parents and children listen, play, and simply enjoy being present with one another.

Within this little universe of sound, each child was given the opportunity to explore, connect with those around them, and continue experiencing the joy and wonder of childhood.

VinaCapital Foundation’s Can-Clover program sincerely thanks Unilever Vietnam for supporting this program, and to Children’s Hospital 2 and our professional partner, Vietnam World Healing, for co-organizing this music exploration and creative experience for children with cancer. Together, we provided children and their families with a meaningful psychosocial support activity through music, contributing to more holistic care throughout the treatment journey.