Photo by RET

Article by Jean Baptiste Gihugu, Project Communications Officer – EMEAA

MARDIN, TÜRKIYE – RET International used the power of music and social skills development to bring young people together. In 2024, the “Local Women’s Socio-Economic Empowerment and Social Skills Development as a Tool for Social Cohesion and Youth Empowerment” project aimed to empower vulnerable refugee and host community youth aged 12-25. A key objective was to facilitate social cohesion, celebrate diversity, and promote integration, helping youth address trauma and promote peaceful coexistence.

The youth component targeted 490 beneficiaries. Activities designed to bridge cultural divides included Social Cohesion & Communication Workshops. These workshops, which reached 466 individuals, provided essential knowledge and skills in communication, discrimination awareness, and social integration. Activities such as art therapy through block printing and group activities on peacebuilding fostered dialogue and mutual understanding, creating a safe space for youth from diverse backgrounds to interact and express themselves.

The project also included Music Courses as part of its Regular Arts Program. These courses, focusing on instruments like guitar, saz, and drums, aimed to develop participants’ musical skills while offering a safe space for self-expression, confidence building, and forming friendships. A total of 144 adolescents and youth attended the music courses, exceeding the target of 130. The courses were structured to facilitate interaction and teamwork, preparing participants for performances.

Photo by RET

Photo by RET

The culmination of the music program was the formation of the RET Youth Orchestra and Choir (RYOC). The RYOC held four public concerts throughout the year, surpassing the initial target of three. These performances took place at various events, including World Autism Awareness Day, Mother’s Day, for the children of Yumurcak Village, and to celebrate Republic Day. The concerts provided young participants with valuable stage experience, boosting their self-esteem and showcasing their talents publicly. These concerts held significance not only for the young performers but also brought joy and inspiration to children from families with limited means, especially those studying in village schools. Additionally, the program introduced children in rural village schools to the arts, contributing to their cultural development.

Through structured music education and social skills workshops, RET successfully used artistic and communicative activities to foster unity, healing, and mutual understanding among young people from different backgrounds. The program demonstrated that music truly can be a bridge, strengthening social bonds and promoting harmony within the community.

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