Reflections on Working with Music for Hope
The department of Languages and Cultures at Lancaster University offers 2nd year students in Modern Languages an optional module on ‘Professional Contexts for Modern Languages’. The students develop their learning and interest in a specific professional context, with an external organisation. The module aims to give students a structured experience of working in a language-related organisation, to develop their understanding of the research process in relation to a specific sector, and to develop their understanding of how organisations work within a cross cultural or multi-lingual environment.
Music for Hope wishes to support young people in the process of developing their self-confidence and their skills in such a context, to familiarize them with the opportunities for volunteering and careers in the not-for-profit sector, and to enhance their understanding of cross-cultural, solidarity-based work with Central American communities.
Written by Eve Dearlove
Hi, I’m Eve and I am currently doing a short placement with the wonderful organisation which is Music For Hope. This internship is supposed to compliment my academic studies and my degree programme (French and Spanish Studies at Lancaster University) and it is really important to me to deepen my cultural understanding and sensitivity of Latin American communities. I’m keen on gaining insight into their real lives, beyond information from academic textbooks and, by dedicating my time to what I believe is a profound cause, I would like to promote our core values of hope, peace, justice, and solidarity. Music for Hope has certainly made me appreciate community and positive self-expression, particularly through Music.
Learning about Music for Hope has been inspiring. I was particularly impressed with how ambitious both the UK and El Salvador teams are, as they successfully widen opportunities across Bajo Lempa communities and raise global awareness about the situation there. Talking with them made it clear that the teachers are highly motivated, hard-working, and positive individuals, with a friendly approach to teaching. It goes without saying that their work is invaluable and life changing.
From the moment I began talking to Tony Luna, chair of the project, I was moved. He was very willing to educate me about the history of his country and his own personal story and emphasised community spirit and a lack of hierarchy within the organisation. This made me aware of the significance of kindness and equality and this community organisation is echoed in Nueva Esperanza, in which groups have a democratic system to ensure that all age groups are equally represented and given a voice. Tony is very proud about the collaboration of students in El Salvador and notes that they are great artists. He has therefore showed me the power of music, in positively transforming generations of young people. Tony has a strong desire for creating equal opportunities for young lives and has a remarkable positive outlook on life.
The thing which stands out to me most about Music for Hope is their positive outlook, in the face of challenging situations. The organisation strives for equality, freedom and individuality and is tremendously committed to broadening the horizons of so many. Learning about the music project has highlighted the impact of education and music in improving young lives and I am excited to see what the future holds. I urge everybody to consider donating to Music for Hope. Any support is vital for providing music lessons and instruments to young Salvadorians and, therefore, your donations allow them to have a creative outlook and an improved quality of life. If you would like to support the project, you can donate or visit our shop.
