SMCA (SyroMalabar Cultural Academy)

SyroMalabar Cultural Academy, inaugurated in 2005, was formed with purpose of providing an opportunity for the children to nurture the God-given talents and to use them for God's purposes. The mission is to promote the study, exploration and appreciation of the contemporary and traditional performing and visual arts based on the Christian values, beliefs and tradition. 

Academy provides students with an opportunity to learn music (classical and light), dance (devotional, classical, western, folk, and tap), western and traditional percussion devices (chenda, tabla and drums), string devices (guitar and violin) and piano. Drawing and painting lessons bring out the creative minds of young children. Leadership abilities are enriched through public speaking lessons. Basketball and shuttle badminton training sessions are intense and intended to teach the game and to develop endurance. ACT classes by professionals instill confidence in high school children in their competitive exams. Instructors are dedicated professionals selected on the basis of their proficiency and proven ability to impart knowledge. The focus of the study is to support the whole personality development incorporating spiritual enrichment. Classes are on every Saturdays and are scheduled to accommodate the better convenience of students and parents. 

Academy conducts recitals to showcase the talents enriched through dedicated learning. These recitals serve as an opportunity for the students to be on the stage to perform, to gain more confidence and to show their parents and community what they have achieved from the training.  Syro Malabar Youth festival organized by the cultural academy is a venue where all the SyroMalabar children showcase their multifaceted talents. Students have participated in many activities throughout the years including ecumenical celebrations, and have won many prizes in Chicago and Illinois Malayalee Association competitions. Students performed at various stages including association gatherings and conferences, stage shows, the intercultural talent shows and at Museum of Science and Industry. The efforts of the academy to facilitate learning and enhance talents have been wholeheartedly supported by parents and children.

SyroMalabar Cultural Academy Board