ይህንን ፖስት (ልጥፍ) በአማርኛ ማንበብ ትችላላችሁ፡፡

Our second and final week in Addis Ababa brought themes of self-advocacy for the music participants across all four projects in Ethiopia. We were so pleased to see our trainees lead with such confidence as it empowered patients to take a leading role as well as enjoy the techniques shared in training last year.

We were most welcome at Lebeza Psychiatry Clinic and observed a large music session outside in the courtyard area. Patients and staff worked together to bring the session to life; exploring body percussion, use of voice, instruments and of course, cultural dancing. We were able to meet patients who shared their experiences of the group.

I get overwhelmed by quietness, my mind and thoughts race in my head. The sound outside of my mind in the music group kind of makes me feel free to be loud.

Patient, Lebeza Psychiatry Clinic

It was a pleasure to award Lebeza Psychiatry Clinic with the funds to repair the broken Bongo on behalf of Music as Therapy International, which will continue to provide a full and exciting experience for patients in the courtyard.

FENAID’s participants came to the conclusion that they would not only continue to raise awareness of learning disabilities across Ethiopia through their music and dance group led by their fantastic music trainee Jackson, but also look to run their own music group led by the individuals. This is another huge success for the individuals, who are working tirelessly for equality in society:

I love music, it helps me spread my message; that I can do anything, that I can take part in a leading role. People have a perception of me but I can do anything.

Self Advocate, FENAID

Hospice Ethiopia is successfully using music as part of their day service programme and are keen to explore the use of music in home-based care and their new expansion into pediatric hospice care in the coming years. The discussion was rich in cultural consideration, with much enthusiasm for the training provided last year.

Our final visit to Gefersa Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre allowed us to explore the settings and hope to employ a full-time musician to carry out the music groups at the setting. Dr Geremu spoke of the settings expansion into other means of care and spoke highly of the music groups effects on their current patients. We fed back to the music group leaders and congratulated them on their fantastic work in the group.

We have very much enjoyed embracing the culture here in Ethiopia, the people and local music. It has been a true honour to be a part of this fantastic project and witness the longstanding effects music will have in each of the partner settings.