Empowering Communities Through Music Education in 2024
Jordan has long been a refuge for displaced communities, hosting a significant number of refugees from neighboring regions. However, this reality sometimes brings challenges, including disparities in educational opportunities. These disparities are especially evident in creative and emotional learning areas like music.
To help address these challenges, the “Music Brings Us Together” initiative was launched in 2021 as a joint initiative between Soka Gakkai, Musicians Without Borders (MWB) and local Jordanian NGOs. Now in its fourth year, the program continues to provide a safe and nurturing environment for refugee and local children, using music to foster connection, healing and empowerment.
At a time of great instability and conflict in the region, the program has remained resilient, continuing to benefit and bring a sense of security to participants.
The program focuses on fostering adults who are skilled in creating safe spaces and providing tools for social inclusion and creative development through music. At its core, “Music Brings Us Together” is about equipping educators with the skills to create inclusive, creative spaces where children can thrive.
Over the past few years, the program has incorporated new elements, expanding its reach within the community:
- Music Leadership Training: The initial focus was on equipping educators with the skills to provide music education tailored to children's psychosocial needs, using songs, dances and musical games.
- Music as Therapy Training: This element aims to provide educators with techniques to support children who require extra emotional or psychological assistance.
- Musical Instruments, Ensemble and Choir Teaching: Introduced in 2024 in collaboration with the local organization Tajalla, this initiative nurtures children's emotional well-being while preserving the region’s traditional music.
Key Developments (2021–2024)
The program’s impact continues to grow each year:
- 113 trainees—including teachers, social workers and musicians—have completed the Music Leadership Training. In 2024, the training included Jordanians, Yemenis, Syrians and Palestinians, including those from Gaza and Ramallah.
- 229 children with special needs have participated in workshops led by Music as Therapy trainees.
- More than 1,500 children and youth have taken part in music workshops at schools, churches, orphanages and juvenile centers.
- 22 children are now engaged in regular lessons in musical instruments and music theory.
Even after completing their training, many educators continue integrating music into their daily work, extending the program’s impact far beyond its direct participants.
Stories of Impact
Fostering the skill development of adults from diverse backgrounds and organizations in Jordan helps create a sustainable impact on local communities. The program supports trainees in transforming their teaching methods and perspectives.
One trainee shared, “This amazingly changed my way of teaching… I can see how it reflected on my students’ capacity to learn in a positive, loving environment. I feel now that I can use music therapy as a tool whenever it's needed in my sessions.”
Parents also report noticeable improvements in their children’s emotional well-being, including enhanced focus, communication skills and resilience.
Looking Ahead
Music remains a powerful tool for healing, resilience and social cohesion. In 2025, the program will host some commemorative events involving local communities and continue to expand access to music education and help children unlock their full potential through the power of music.
