My name is Wasan, and I live in Jordan.
I have always been connected to culture and music. I love attending concerts and I have tried to learn the guitar, even though music teachers in my area have always been rare.
This love of music and culture is what drew me to this project in Jordan, and to Musicians Without Borders as an organization. This project is all about bringing our Jordanian and Arab musical heritage back to life, through the voices and hands of children.
Musical heritage is incredibly important because it strengthens children’s connection to their past and helps to bridge the gap between generations. Teaching heritage through music helps preserve it and teaches children a sense of belonging and responsibility while expanding their cultural awareness.
Our sessions take place weekly after school, so that as many children as possible can attend. When children start with the project, we give them their instruments to take home and practice with. They then bring our instruments from home and come to the center for their lessons, where they meet friends to learn and make music together. The students often tell me they practice 3–4 times a week on top of their lessons, which brings me joy. Some of the children face challenges due to difficult family situations, but as the project continues, we are starting to see more support and encouragement from the parents as well.
From within families, too, we are seeing children becoming inspired – two girls who are new to the program joined after seeing just how much their siblings enjoy oud classes. One has now joined the violin class, and her sister will soon be a part of the choir. We’re not just building bridges across the community, but within families too.
The bridges we build work both ways too. Being a part of this incredible program and being around inspired children has made me realize just how passionate I am about music. Seeing all these children from difficult circumstances come together to make music has inspired me to learn the qanun (a traditional Arabic instrument) at a music institute in the city. I hope to improve and play with the children at future events.
You can help us to continue this important work in Jordan, helping more children to build bridges with their cultural and musical heritage. To make a music lesson happen costs us €30, but anything you can spare today will help our work. Click below to give what you can:
Thank you for reading about my experience.
Wasan
