Tanaghom: A story of harmony and solidarity
From behind closed windows and doors, angelic voices waft through the air of a small town in rural Damascus; songs of hope, unity and longing. In times of uncertainty, a group of Syrian youth supported by UNDP in Syria have found a way to come together in a virtual space and to support each other through difficult times. A message of solidarity from Syria to the world:
Although lockdown procedures have gradually eased in Syria, new coronavirus cases are still being reported and large public gatherings are still not recommended.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the young men and women first met through the UNDP supported “Tanaghom: Harmony” Choir. For six months, 80 youths from different walks of life met three times a week in a room on the second floor of Sahnaya’s church in Rural Damascus. The area in known to host thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs).
The conflict in Syria has transformed the relationships between Syrians. Displacement has uprooted entire communities, undermining the social fabric and placing significant strain on host communities. Many communities have banded together in response to pressures and insecurity.
“This is a small piece of the Syria we dream of” one participant wrote anonymously in a note left on the board. “I felt happiness and joy in a time we’re used to sadness and death” wrote another. Whether originally from Sahnaya or displaced to it, the love of music united the youth in a safe space where they interacted with each other regardless of their differences:
“I’m so proud of all of them. Through music, they learned the importance of listening to others while listening to themselves in order to achieve harmony” said Ghada Harb the Choir conductor
“I felt alive like never before. This place feels like home. The love and support I received is incredible” said Jolan, 32 who lives with her 10-year-old son Khalil with down syndrome in a shelter for persons with disabilities.
The choir members helped Jolan get up and down the stairs. Khalil, who always accompanied her, was the star of many shows.
“Our voices flow like a breeze, singing a song of harmony. We all came from Adam & Eve, no one can break us” said Ali in a poem he wrote to his fellow choir members.
Displaced from Manbij, Aleppo, Ali, 25 years old works as a tailor to help support his family. Despite being tired sometimes, singing his heart out was something he always looked forward to.
“We were introduced to new kinds of music from different cultures, that really helped expand our horizon. I also got to know many people that I’m very proud to call my friends” said Ayat, 24 years old psychology student and volunteer from Sahnaya.
“For me, there’s no life without music. It’s a universal language through which we can spread a message of love and peace and acceptance” said Elias, 25 years old, who didn’t let his visual impairment stop him from taking the over an hour trip from the town of Jaramana.
The workshop was concluded with three concerts that brought together the families and friends of the participants along with many other people from the community.
UNDP strives to build bridges among communities of diverging political, religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, as well as among host and internally displaced communities by recognizing our common humanity and promoting positive attitudes and behaviours. The group of singers, who have continued their practice on-line, look forward to the day when they can meet again face to face and sing their hearts out!
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Written by Asma’ Nashawati, Communications Associate, UNDP Syria
