UNICEF 'Makani' project in refugee camps in Jordan

UNICEF’s child-friendly Makani (which translates as ‘My Space’) centres provide an integrated set of services to children in refugee camps and informal settlements, including learning support, community-based child protection, early childhood development, adolescent and youth participation, life skills and innovation labs. In Azraq and Za’atari Refugee Camps (Jordan), there are 22 Makani centres serving nearly 20,000 children.
UNICEF’s new musical therapy programme “Musiqati” in Makani centres is helping Syrian refugee children to heal and teach them musical communication techniques to contribute to the strengthening of social cohesion among children and their families.
Music therapy provides a safe space for children to be creative and share their emotions through words, harmonies, rhythm and melodies. In the programme, children learn free expression and group communication through solos, duets, trios and groups. It also enhances their decision making abilities.
UNICEF Ambassador, Jordanian pianist and composer Zade Dirani supports Musiqati in Makani centres. After playing with children, he explains: “Evidence shows that music therapy is of great benefit to children in Makani centres. It is wonderful to see boys and girls laughing, playing music and just being children again. Musiqati’s goal is to provide a music therapy model that is both effective and sustainable and can reach thousands of vulnerable Syrian children in Jordan with the healing power of music. We don’t want to stop here. This programme could help children all over the world who have been traumatized by conflict, loss and displacement.”