Our first week in Addis Ababa is complete and we have now met all of our wonderful partners. We have been truly welcomed and could not have wished for a better introduction to the settings and their wonderful staff and individuals.

On Monday we visited Gefersa Rehabilitation Centre where we met the staff and patients. It was clear that music is a significant and central part of the culture at the hospital and the enthusiasm of all we met was truly energising. We were treated to a tour of the seven hectare compound, where we saw the wonderful weaving talents of the patients and the cows who also live at Gefersa. Whilst walking around, we were encouraged by all of the singing that was taking place by the patients, as they undertook their other activities. We look forward to reintroducing music at this setting.

Wednesday saw us visit FENAID (Fikir Ethiopia National Association for Intellectual Disability), where we were greeted by the most sensational dancing and singing from the adults who attend the centre. They had customised their outfits which were beautifully bright and colourful and they treated us to some wonderful traditional Ethiopian dancing. This concluded with us being invited by the adults to participate in their final song “One Love” by Bob Marley. This opportunity was extremely uplifting and emotional for us both, almost bringing us to tears. The love and support between the adults and staff was truly heart-warming; we cannot wait to work with them.

On Thursday we were greeted at Hospice Ethiopia where we were treated to some lovely local foods, namely Injera and the beautiful buna (coffee) ceremony, that Ethiopia is so famous for. An impromptu moment arose where we were able to join the patients in making music and although our verbal languages created barriers, these were soon removed through the power of making music together. We met “mama” who was the most senior lady of the group, along with the other patients and we shared some of our lives with them, through the use of photographs. Mama expressed that we were very welcome at the Hospice and how happy she was to have us working with her, which made us feel so excited about working with these wonderful people.

On Tuesday and Friday we visited Lebeza Psychiatric Clinic, which is where we are delivering the full training programme to five staff members. On Tuesday we met some of the staff and discussed the programme delivery and then on Friday, we returned to deliver our first official music session and training. There are around 35 patients and 25 clinical and caring staff at Lebeza. We decided to begin our training programme through demonstrating the impact music therapy can have by conducting a full practical session for both the staff and patients. A number of patients and staff took opportunities to help lead the activities, which truly raised the spirits of the group.

Almost everyone participated and it was clear that a great time was had by all. This was only demonstrated further through the feedback of the clinical staff, who stated they were surprised that so many patients participated, as well as saying that they saw how the patients’ demeanour, mood and engagement became stronger with each activity that we did. It was truly amazing!!!

Our week has been rounded off with a visit to Fendika; a local hangout, where local art, music and dancing are celebrated. We had an extraordinary time being immersed in the local Ethio Jazz, Rock and Drum and Bass styles of music. We had a total ball!

Throughout this week we have had the pleasure of Makeda staying with us in Ethiopia. She has supported us to navigate the local area, manage partner relationships and show us the skills needed for survival in Addis Ababa. Thank you for helping us to get to grips with this Makeda.

We cannot wait to commence our work across the four different partner groups next week.

Erin and Emma.