Music Therapy & Education
The EDA music Project
The EDA Music Project supports Syrian refugee children in the area of Arsal (Northern Bekaa Valley) as well as vulnerable local Lebanese communities. There are approximately 70.000 Syrian refugees in Arsal and a local population of approximately 40.000, all brutalised by the effects of the war in nearby Syria, including in 2014 incursions by DAESH and its allies. Many of the children are traumatised. There have also been severe consequences from the collapse of the Lebanese economy and failure of humanitarian support. Most children live in appalling condition in tarpaulin tents at altitudes higher than Ben Nevis. A particular focus for the Music Project is the Balsam Centre for children with special needs, an institution also supported by EDA. The Centre serves 72 children with a range of disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delays and learning difficulties. Life in tents on mountainsides is not easy for these children and their families.
The Music Project addresses the educational, physiological, developmental, psychological and social challenges for children with special needs in areas of conflict and post-conflict. The approach has also been proven to help children deal with some of the more personal challenges that often accompany stress (movement, breathing, emotions, self-regulation etc.) Its starting point is in enjoyment, engagement and community.
The objectives of the intervention are:
CHILDREN’S CREATIVITY
to offer Syrian children and others who are victims of conflict rich experiences in creativity, engagement, knowledge and understanding, based on activities in the creative arts.
CHILDREN’S LEARNING
to offer them a “soft landing” as they arrive in, or return to, the process of education, including nurturing of focus, concentration, cognitive development, socialisation and emotional intelligence
CHILDREN’S WELL-BEING
to offer them support in a wide range of social, psychological and biological needs, ranging from self-confidence and self-resect to trust, joy, loss of fear, empathy and regulation of mind and body
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
to help foster children’s personal development through encouraging family and community participation in creative arts, sports, technological and other activities, as well as enabling effective links between educational, health and social care support systems
NURTURING LEADERS ON LEARNING AND WELL-BEING
to nurture the physical and mental health and personal development of the animateurs who lead children’s activities
