Musicians Without Borders: Healing Conflict Zones Through Music

Founded in Amsterdam in 1999 by singer-songwriter Laura Hassler, Musicians Without Borders believes music can reach where words and medicine cannot in places scarred by war. The organization runs long-term, locally-led programs in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Rwanda, DR Congo, Palestine and Jordan, training young people as 'Community Music Leaders' who then bring music therapy and workshops to traumatized children, refugees and former child soldiers. In Rwanda alone, more than 80 Community Music Leaders have completed intensive professional training since the program began in 2012, and they go on to reach thousands of vulnerable children with music sessions in their own communities. The model has since been adapted for Palestinian children in West Bank refugee camps and young musicians in Congo and Uganda.