The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music - GAZA Branch

The team of the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music (ESNCM) in North Gaza, under the supervision of Mr. Fouad Khader, North Gaza Area Coordinator, officially launched a Music Education and Choir Program in cooperation with UNRWA at Beach Boys School, one of UNRWA’s schools in Gaza.

The launch of the program followed a series of interactive musical activities and sessions previously conducted with children to introduce them to music and musical instruments, as well as to identify and prepare students for participation in the educational program.

Today, students officially began their regular music training classes under the guidance of the Conservatory’s instructors:

• Violin: Mr. Hamada Al-Khroubi
• Guitar: Mr. Mohammad Abu Mahadi
• Oud: Mr. Mohammad Al-Ostaz
• Group Percussion: Mr. Mohammad Antir
• Choir Training: Mr. Fouad Khader

The first day was filled with enthusiasm, positive energy, and excitement, as students demonstrated a strong passion for learning music and participating in artistic activities.

The school administration warmly welcomed the program, highlighting the important role of music in supporting children’s psychosocial well-being, fostering creativity, and strengthening their communication and self-expression skills, particularly in light of the challenging circumstances faced by children in Gaza. The administration also praised the efforts of the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in providing safe and inspiring spaces where children can learn, create, and build hope through music and the arts.

The opening day concluded with commemorative photos bringing together the school administration, instructors, and participating students, reflecting a spirit of cooperation and partnership and a shared commitment to providing meaningful educational and artistic opportunities that help nurture children’s talents and develop their musical abilities.

Fouad Khader

جانب من جلسات تعليم آلة العود بإشراف الدكتور إسماعيل داود في مقر المعهد بمخيم النصيرات، حيث يواصل الطلاب رحلتهم في تعلم الموسيقى وصقل مواهبهم.

The team of the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music – North Gaza participated in the implementation of the closing event of the “My Story” project, which aims to promote the mental well-being of mothers and their children through theatre and puppetry arts, as part of the activities of the “Yalla Nughanni” (Let’s Sing) project.

The team began its participation by introducing the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, its programs, and its various activities across the Gaza Strip. This was followed by an interactive session introducing musical instruments and their sounds. The team also presented a diverse musical and singing performance in collaboration with artist Imad Hamdouna, with the audience showing remarkable engagement throughout the artistic program.

In addition, the team facilitated a range of interactive musical activities for children and mothers, including card and picture games, sound imitation exercises, musical scale training, group rhythm activities, and collective singing sessions involving both children and parents. These activities fostered a strong spirit of participation and interaction among all attendees.

The activities provided a safe space for expression and creativity while strengthening positive communication between children and their families. This aligns with the objectives of the “My Story” project in supporting mental and social well-being, as well as the goals of the “Yalla Nughanni” project in using music as a tool for learning, engagement, and psychosocial support.

#فلسطين

The team of the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in North Gaza conducted a music workshop and interactive musical activity for the staff of the UNRWA Gaza Operations Room at UNRWA’s main headquarters in Gaza City. The event was attended by the Director of the Gaza Operations Room and a number of staff members.

The activity included a variety of interactive musical experiences, featuring group music and singing performances, rhythm exercises, and participatory training activities designed to encourage engagement, interaction, and teamwork among participants. The workshop also provided a space for psychological support and recreation through music.

During the event, the Conservatory team presented an overview of its music education programs and activities implemented across different areas of the Gaza Strip, highlighting ongoing efforts to provide music education opportunities for children and young people despite the challenging circumstances faced by the region.

The discussion also addressed the importance of music and its role in supporting the psychological and social well-being of children. Participants explored how music can create safe spaces for emotional expression, foster hope, and strengthen resilience in times of hardship.

Participants expressed their great appreciation for the initiative and emphasized the importance of continuing such activities, given their positive impact on mental well-being and their contribution to strengthening cooperation, communication, and team spirit among staff members.