Transforming children's lives through music

by Friends of El Sistema Greece
Play Video
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music
Transforming children's lives through music

Project Report | Jul 8, 2025
Our true stories #18

By Fenia Biniari | Communications Manager

Frank improvising with his viola
Frank improvising with his viola

Dear Global Givers,

Sometimes, music enters our lives by coincidence. Through a sound overheard, a song shared by a friend, a violin played in the distance. But what music does for a person is never accidental. It opens doors. It builds bridges. It creates friendships.

This is exactly what happened to Frank.

Frank is 11 years old. He comes from Sierra Leone and now lives in the Asylum Seekers Facility of Schisto in Attica. A few months ago, a friend told him about the free music lessons offered by El Sistema Greece there. Curious, Frank decided to join and that would become a turning point in his life.

He began attending our viola and choir classes, and from the very first session, something clicked. Frank quickly stood out for his deep focus, his quiet determination, and his growing love for music. He never misses a class. His teachers speak of his natural talent, but even more of his dedication, the way he listens, learns, and lifts the room with his presence.

This summer, Frank joined our music camp, where students from all our programs gathered for workshops in improvisation, collaboration, and creative expression. Surrounded by new friends and fellow musicians, Frank experienced something for the first time: the feeling of truly belonging. He realized that he wasn’t alone, that he was part of a wider music community, diverse, vibrant, and united by purpose.

In that moment, music became a home.

Your support is what makes this journey possible. Because of you, children like Frank can discover their voice, their talent, and a sense of connection that transcends borders.

Thank you for believing in the power of music, not just as an art form, but as a way of life.

With gratitude,
The El Sistema Greece Team

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook

About Project Reports

Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.

If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.

Sign up for updates

Organization Information

Friends of El Sistema Greece

Location: Washington, DC - USA
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
Twitter: @elsistemagreece
Project Leader:
first2516360 last2516360
United States

Learn more about GlobalGiving

Teenage Science Students
Vetting +
Due Diligence

Snorkeler
Our
Impact

Woman Holding a Gift Card
Give
Gift Cards

Young Girl with a Bicycle
GlobalGiving
Guarantee

Get incredible stories, promotions, and matching offers in your inbox

WARNING: Javascript is currently disabled or is not available in your browser. GlobalGiving makes extensive use of Javascript and will not function properly with Javascript disabled. Please enable Javascript and refresh this page.