'Hope Flowers in Bethlehem'

We are spending the Christmas period in Bethlehem, Westbank. Such an interesting and historical place to spend this time of the year. 
It might sound very romantic and peaceful, but in the Westbank it is not very peaceful at the moment. And it's definitely not the most beautiful time of the year, for the Palestinians we work with. Violent clashes every day, the cold effects marginalised areas and the political situation is about to change very rapidly, because the US is ending all funding for the UN's Palestian refugee agency (UNRWA). 

We've been running the second level training for the teachers and therapists team of the Hope Flowers school in Bethlehem. It feels great to be back. And this time we brought music therapist Sander van Goor with us. Maite and Sander are leading the sessions. 

Trainer Maite:

"As a woman, I feel a special connection to this group of women. In the first level, it took some time to connect with them, but now I could feel I became more a part of them. I believe the balance of these women's softness and sensitivity, combined with their inexhaustible strength and pro activity, might be the key that's needed for a positive change in their community.
This week we focussed more on working with children with special needs. I am grateful to have Sander with us, to share his knowledge and experience in this part. At the same time, we want to continue the development of their creative skills connected to their environment. What I witnessed is a huge growth in their improvisation skills and a change of perspective on where and how to make music. You can make music everywhere, and with everything. We played around with kitchen objects and balloons (and you’d be surprised how many different sounds you can make with this).”

Trainer Sander:

"It was my first time in Palestine. The trainees work with children with special needs, like autism. And also with children who are traumatised. It was great meeting these strong women. They work with the children in very difficult circumstances. It was amazing to see their dedication to their work. So much skills and love. In just a short period of time we've managed to work together in a safe environment where we worked on improving their skills and on their own personal development. They've shared their stories about their lives, their loved ones, the difficulties they face and how they manage to live and survive the adversity they meet in their lives. The women mentioned that it is not common for them to share what they think and feel. At the same time they have the need to do it and they were grateful to have this experience together.

By making music, we created a safe working space where we could meet and share. The role of music is so important. We focus on listening, being creative, being open, creating melodies and rhythms together. These were the steps we needed to make before they could share their stories with words. After this they could work in the same way with children. To provide them safety and the space to create and share through music. So wonderful to see them grow in this proces. As a man it was very special to be a part of this proces. I’m grateful that they trust me. Every time I meet people who are living in difficult circumstances I am touched by their strength. This gives me hope, and trust in the future. And it feels great that, together with Sounds of Change, I can be part of making a positive change in peoples lives.”