In Gaza, conflict and hardship have impacted every aspect of daily life. Art and music have become vital lifelines for children. Beyond offering a creative outlet, these forms of expression are helping to rebuild education in extraordinary ways. They allow children to process trauma, develop resilience, and dream of a brighter future in the face of adversity.  

The Role of Art and Music in Education

While traditional education tends to focus on academics, the inclusion of art and music takes a more holistic approach, nurturing both the mind and the soul. In Gaza, these creative outlets provide children with a much-needed sense of stability.  

Music: A Universal Language of Healing 

Music has the unique ability to express what words cannot. Learning to play an instrument, singing, or composing their own melodies offers a way to release emotions like, fear, grief, and hope. Music also creates a sense of community. Helping children build connections with peers and mentors.  

In initiatives like community music workshops, children are introduced to instruments such as the oud or darbuka. These sessions reconnect them with their cultural heritage while offering a therapeutic outlet. The repetitive rhythms of music also bring order and comfort to their often chaotic lives, providing moments of joy and focus.  

Collaboration with the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music

A shining example of this effort is the partnership between Gaza Great Minds and the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music. They provide singing and music lessons to children, offering a much needed escape from the hardships of daily life.  

These lessons help children build confidence, find their voice, and develop a sense of identity. For many, music becomes a mental refuge, a way to cope with the anxiety and trauma brought on by conflict. The conservatory’s expert instructors ensure that children not only learn the technicalities of music but also gain the emotional tools to navigate their turbulent environment. These collaborations exemplify how creative education can transform lives, one note at a time.  

Art: A Window to Expression and Healing

Visual arts, drawing, painting, give children the tools to articulate their personal experiences and emotions. Through art, they can process their inner worlds in ways that transcend language. It’s also a way for educators and therapists to understand how children are coping with their circumstances.  

Initiatives such as mural painting projects and collaborative exhibitions transform destroyed buildings and public spaces into vibrant canvases of hope. These activities foster pride and creativity, empowering children to see themselves as active participants in rebuilding their communities.  

Basel Elmaqousi: Gaza’s Artistic Visionary

Basel Elmaqousi, a celebrated artist from Gaza, is a prime example of how art can inspire and heal. Through his bold and emotive paintings, he captures the struggles and aspirations of his people, giving a voice to those often unheard. Elmaqousi has also been instrumental in organising workshops for children in Gaza, helping them channel their emotions into powerful visual stories. His work not only inspires the younger generation but also sheds light on Gaza’s resilience for audiences far beyond its borders.  

Building Skills for Life

The benefits of art and music go far beyond emotional healing, they also teach valuable life skills. Whether it’s mastering an instrument or completing a painting, these activities encourage discipline, problem-solving, and perseverance.  

In many programmes, art and music are tied to broader educational goals. For example, children might explore mathematical concepts through musical rhythms. By combining creativity with learning, these initiatives ensure children continue their education, even in the most challenging conditions.  

Why Art and Music Matter for Gaza’s Future

Art and music are not just creative escapes, they are essential tools for building a better future. Children engaged in these activities develop empathy, resilience, and critical thinking, all of which are vital for fostering peace and stability in Gaza.  

These creative pursuits also honour Gaza’s rich cultural heritage, connecting children to their identity and history. They remind young people that their voices matter, their stories are worth telling, and their aspirations deserve to be nurtured.  

Ongoing Hope And Your Support

In a place like Gaza, where challenges seem difficult, art and music are powerful forces of hope. By integrating them into education, we are not only helping children cope with the present but also equipping them with the tools to shape a brighter, more peaceful future.  

The sound of an oud being played or the sight of a colourful mural on a broken wall may seem like small gestures in the face of such overwhelming adversity, but together, they create a profound impact. These moments of creativity and self-expression form a symphony of resilience, a testament to the unbreakable spirit of Gaza’s children.  

Art and music are more than just subjects. Offering children in Gaza the chance to learn, heal, and imagine a world beyond conflict. They show that even in the darkest times, with your support, hope can be nurtured, one note and one brushstroke at a time.