Northern Iraq & conference in Erbil
We returned from our visit to Northern Iraq (Kurdistan), where we spoke at a conference about de-radicalisation, visited the Lalish Yezidi pilgrimage, and then facilitated a multi-day training for medical students.
International conference in Erbil (Northern Iraq/Kurdistan)
The international conference, about reintegration and resilience to combat radicalisation in Northeast Syria, was hosted by our partner organisation Norwegian People's Aid (NPA). We were invited by NPA to speak about our work in this area and the collaboration we had with them on this project this year. Since March of this year we have trained employees from 5 local organisations to use our Sounds of Change method in their work with women, children, families and tribal leaders.
At the conference, Sander van Goor and Lucas Dols (SoC), together with Anne van den Ouwelant (Trauma International), presented how the methods of Sounds of Change and Trauma International contribute to obtaining psychosocial, - and trauma-sensitive support. Within the safe space that our students create, using our methods, people feel safer to explore new possibilities and slowly open up to other ideas.
Together with our trainees we spoke about the impact of music on the people our trainees work with. To illustrate this we showed a video of a song that our trainees made with women who lived under the IS regime and now live in the Al Hol camp. The participants of the conference were very moved and impressed by the video they saw of the women singing their own song. They sang about hope, freedom, colors and a positive future for their children.
Other specialists in the field of gender-based violence, radicalisation and psychosocial support also presented their part in the de-radicalisation program and its effect on the various communities where their methods were used this year. They also confirmed the importance of music, art and a trauma-sensitive approach to reduce stress and as a prerequisite for creating trust and connection.
Lalish pilgrimage
After the conference we visited the Lalish pilgrimage, which is the holiest temple of the Yezidis. Our visit was during the seven-day Feast of the Assembly, which attracted thousands of Yazidis from all over the world. People apparently appreciated our visit, because we were shown around everywhere and invited to eat or drink tea. What a wonderful experience and how special to experience their enormous hospitality and openness.
Second training IFMSA – Kurdistan
After this day in Lalish we started the second training with the trainees of IFMSA - Kurdistan (International Federation of Medical Students Association)in Northern Iraq/Kurdistan .It was fantastic to work with this enthusiastic group of medical students for another 4 days, especially with the prospect of what they will do when we leave.
The team of medical students will use our method to provide psychosocial support to children in refugee camps in Northern Iraq. It was inspiring and fun to work with medical students who are open to using music as medicine. As part of the training program, the trainees have designed their own series of music sessions. With these sessions and our Magical Suitcase, the suitcase full of musical instruments, the trainees will soon start providing psychosocial assistance for children. Before and during the implementation of this, we will provide the trainees with online coaching. We will keep you informed.
