By Fenia Biniari | Communications Manager
Dear Global Givers,
At El Sistema Greece, we have the opportunity to witness every day how music can transform lives, build confidence, and create meaningful connections. One of the brightest examples is Hawasan, a 13-year-old student participating in our music program at the Asylum Seekers Facility of Schisto in Greece. Originally from Sudan, she joined our choir and viola classes this year and quickly stood out as a bright and enthusiastic young musician. From the moment she began attending classes, Hawasan showed a deep engagement with music. She approaches classes with curiosity, dedication, and a natural musicality that is especially evident in her singing voice. Through the choir and viola classes, she has been developing not only her musical skills but also confidence and a sense of belonging within the group.
This year, Hawasan’s musical journey also connected with a very meaningful experience involving her family. Her mother participated in the Lullaby Project, a program that invites parents to reflect on parental love and share personal stories, memories, and emotions with professional artists. Through this collaborative process, each parent works with a composer to create an original lullaby inspired by their experiences. During the second session of the project, which focused on improvisation and developing musical ideas for the composition, Hawasan joined her mother in the workshop. Thanks to her own musical background and her beautiful singing voice, she actively supported the creative process. Together with the composer, they explored melodies and musical ideas that would guide the final piece.
Hawasan’s presence was incredibly meaningful. She encouraged her mother throughout the session, helping her feel comfortable expressing emotions and memories that were not always easy to share. What could have been a difficult emotional process became a moment of creativity, connection, and joy for both of them. Together, they transformed personal experiences into music, creating something beautiful and deeply meaningful. The experience strengthened their bond and highlighted how music can become a powerful tool for expression, healing, and connection.
For Hawasan, music has already become an important part of her life. Through our program, she continues to develop her artistic voice while finding ways to support and inspire those around her, including her own family. Inspired by her experiences in the program, she has even started organizing small “family music days” at home, where they sing, dance, and enjoy their favorite songs together. Her story is a reminder of the profound impact that music education and creative opportunities can have on young people growing up in challenging circumstances.
With gratitude,
Friends of El Sistema Greece
By Fenia Biniari | Communications Manager
By Fenia Biniari | Communications Manager
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