'Don't be afraid for new experiences'

Maite and Lucas have just finished the first training with the volunteers team of the NGO Ruwwad in East Amman, Jordan. What an amazing week we had, in this newsletter we will share our experiences.

Sounds of Change supports the creative and (inter)personal development of the volunteer scholars of Ruwwad, in order to become strong community builders.

Trainer Maite van der Marel about the training:
”What struck me the most is that I could see the group grow almost by the hour, more and more opening up, each day a little bit less scared to be vulnerable, and highly motivated to try new things. I loved the moment where we came to the point – I think it was the second day – of improvising together. We were sitting in a circle, Lucas played some chords on the ukulele and sang some melodies, and we sang back to him. He slowly worked towards the point that every individual was able to improvise with his or her voice. The power of the group in that very moment, creating and holding a safe space together in order for everyone to embrace their vulnerability and take the step to bring out heir own voice, was like a magical moment, in which I could see people being elevated. There were multiple moments like this."

One of the trainees expressed what the training meant to her: “The most special thing I take from this week, is to express my vulnerability all the time and allow myself to experience new things, always” – (Enas).

It was a key moment that influenced all of the days that followed. For example, the creation of their own ‘Ruwwad Song’. The starting point of the song was made by one of the trainees while she was on the bus. She sang it to us in the morning, coming straight from the heart. As she said herself about the course: “It was totally amazing we discovered that we have a musical seed within us and it started to grow while we were here” – (Raghad). And it grew really fast! The group created melody lines, body percussion rhythms, lyrics and a structure for the song.

I was also struck by some very honest and valuable conversations we had about needs, feelings and behaviour, leading to a conversation about gender equality. I saw a lot of power in the group, coming from people that surely came a long way. That have experienced violence for a big part of their lives and are now discovering their own potential and stand for their own ideas. As a little advice, one of our trainees said: “I have two things. Number one: don’t be afraid for new experiences. Number two: as simple as that, it’s going to be the most beautiful thing you do”.  – (Mays). It really shows empowerment, I think.

We also had a special and very important visit from two ministers of the Education Department this week. The group didn’t only demonstrate what they’ve been doing, they also stood up for a more creative and process-based approach within the educational system, in order for the results to be stronger. One of our trainees said: “This project is about enjoying the process. We always focus on the result. This is the first time I really enjoyed the process, the composing, how we were just laughing. Even when we were writing the lyrics, it was fun. (…). I have always been focussing on the result, it is beautiful too, but it is not the most important part. It’s about being a member of this group, belonging to them”.

We are very impressed and touched by Ruwwad and their students. We truly believe these people are becoming very strong and positive role models in their community, which will create the change that is very much needed.