Northern Iraq and Northeast Syria
We have just returned from our training visit to Northern Iraq and Northeast Syria. What an impressive journey, we have a lot to tell you!
First we provided training in Northern Iraq to a group of medical students. They are affiliated with IFMSA, International Federation of Medical Students Association. The local organisation of these students asked us for help in providing PSS (Psycho Social Support) sessions in refugee camps in the region. We train students to prepare them for working with children in four camps, developing their own PSS program and implementing this program.
It was very inspiring to work with a group of medical students who are willing to look beyond their white coats and are enthusiastic to use creative working methods, music and a trauma-sensitive approach during their sessions with children. In October we will give the second training to the group, after which they will work in four different refugee camps. We look forward to the next training.
Our second training took place in Northeast Syria.
In collaboration with the organisation Norwegian People's Aid, we trained the team members of five local organisations that work with women, children, families and tribal leaders in refugee camps and communities in Northeast Syria. In preparation for this training we visited the refugee camp Al Hol.
The Al Hol camp is located in northeastern Syria, close to the Iraqi border and is home to almost 55.000 people (ICRC March ‘23), An estimated two thirds of the camp's population are children, most are under the age of five. Part of the camp functions as a regular refugee camp and is inhabited by families, while in another part people live in captivity. That is why the camp has strict security.
When we were there it was also very warm, around 43 degrees. There are no trees and little shade available. Drinking water is also scarce and people live in tents. Part of the camp is now being rebuilt to provide slightly better living conditions.
Shams is one of the organisations we train. They work with children and women in the Al Hol camp and have applied our Sounds of Change method since March. During our visit to the Al Hol camp it was fantastic to see the children and women engage in the musical games and activities that we taught the trainees of Shams. The children and women have fun, they make contact and come up with creative input. It touched us to see how freely everyone moves within this safe space, that gives us hope. The power of music, which is so needed in these circumstances, is actually being used and we could see and feel its impact.
The visit to Al Hol also gave us a good context of the work situation in which Shams and the other four local organisations work. This enabled us to tailor our training program to their questions and needs. Thanks to our collaboration with Anne Don (Trauma International), practical knowledge about trauma seamlessly connected to our Sounds of Change approach and method.
“The work that our participants do under such intense circumstances is very vulnerable and at the same time extremely powerful.” (Anne Don)
After the training we received this beautiful text from Ward, one of the trainees who works for Shams organisation:
“Your assistance, especially through instructional training and ongoing help, has been nothing short of miraculous. The impact of your contributions has been transformative, not just for our team, but for the entire community we serve, particularly the women who have faced unimaginable challenges.
In a place where simply listening to music was once considered forbidden and punishable by severe consequences, your intervention has been a beacon of hope. The knowledge and tools you shared havenot only enabled these women to enjoy music but also to sing, dance, and engage in various musical activities. This transformation has not only created new interests but new personalities as well.”
In October we will give the second training to the IFMSA team and we will attend a conference of Norwegian People's Aid, in which we will also have the opportunity to present ourselves and the impact we make together with our partner organisations in northeast Syria.
For the Dutch readers, prior to our trip to Syria, Sounds of Change founder Lucas Dols talked about our work in the Dutch radio program Bureau Buitenland. Here is the link to listen to the broadcast.
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With love, care and musical wishes,
Lucas, Sander and Anne (Trauma International)
(All pictures in this newsletter were taken by Sander van Goor)