Project Ethiopia
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I have recently been offered a job position as an assistant music therapist in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The work will largely take part in Ethiopia's only Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre. The Centre offers professional psychiatric treatment, boarding and rehabilitative occupational therapy to 200 patients.
The job is through a UK registered charity called Music as Therapy International (MasT) whose mission has long been to make the unique and life-enhancing benefits of music available to as many vulnerable, marginalised people as possible. Their accessible approach equips Local Partners with new ways of working with vulnerable people in their care on a day-to-day basis, using simple music therapy techniques.
Despite developments being made within the healthcare system in Ethiopia, the health system still lacks facilities and trained professionals, especially in therapeutic fields. The experience of using music as a therapeutic tool for health and well-being purposes by individuals on a professional level or by any organisations are non-existent. This is something we have been invited to change.
In early 2016, MasT received an expression of interest from Dr Melkamu (Ethiopian Surgeon and Musician) who was keen to explore the possibility of setting up a music skill sharing project in Addis Ababa. The aims behind the project are as follows:
• Sustainability: Every MasT project aims to have an impact that lasts longer than our active presence within the participating community. We believe effective partnerships between employees, volunteers and Local Partners are fundamental to sustainability. We make every effort to enable Local Partners to build on our investments in their communities. We share our resources with others working in related fields to broaden the impact of our work.
• Integrity: We are honest and ethical in all that we do. This ensures that our credibility, leadership and use of charitable funds are never in question. We demonstrate best practice at all times, guided by a professional code of ethics.
• Respect: We are passionate about understanding the real needs of communities we work in and believe sensitivity to local culture and customs is vital. Time allowed to listen to, observe and learn from our Local Partners is integral to our projects. A collaborative approach is paramount.
• Innovation: Making concepts of music therapy accessible to people in non-traditional contexts requires creativity, compromise and vision. We encourage innovative practice to achieve this and strive for continuous organisational development as we learn from each project.
“Being successful in these sites especially at Gefersa Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre will help us convince the government and other stakeholders on the benefit of music, so that all parties give more attention to music therapy. I am very optimistic that your organization will be part of this vision and play a crucial role in putting music, health and wellbeing in the big picture here, in Ethiopia” (Dr. Melkamu Meaza)
The job is through a UK registered charity called Music as Therapy International (MasT) whose mission has long been to make the unique and life-enhancing benefits of music available to as many vulnerable, marginalised people as possible. Their accessible approach equips Local Partners with new ways of working with vulnerable people in their care on a day-to-day basis, using simple music therapy techniques.
Despite developments being made within the healthcare system in Ethiopia, the health system still lacks facilities and trained professionals, especially in therapeutic fields. The experience of using music as a therapeutic tool for health and well-being purposes by individuals on a professional level or by any organisations are non-existent. This is something we have been invited to change.
In early 2016, MasT received an expression of interest from Dr Melkamu (Ethiopian Surgeon and Musician) who was keen to explore the possibility of setting up a music skill sharing project in Addis Ababa. The aims behind the project are as follows:
• Sustainability: Every MasT project aims to have an impact that lasts longer than our active presence within the participating community. We believe effective partnerships between employees, volunteers and Local Partners are fundamental to sustainability. We make every effort to enable Local Partners to build on our investments in their communities. We share our resources with others working in related fields to broaden the impact of our work.
• Integrity: We are honest and ethical in all that we do. This ensures that our credibility, leadership and use of charitable funds are never in question. We demonstrate best practice at all times, guided by a professional code of ethics.
• Respect: We are passionate about understanding the real needs of communities we work in and believe sensitivity to local culture and customs is vital. Time allowed to listen to, observe and learn from our Local Partners is integral to our projects. A collaborative approach is paramount.
• Innovation: Making concepts of music therapy accessible to people in non-traditional contexts requires creativity, compromise and vision. We encourage innovative practice to achieve this and strive for continuous organisational development as we learn from each project.
“Being successful in these sites especially at Gefersa Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre will help us convince the government and other stakeholders on the benefit of music, so that all parties give more attention to music therapy. I am very optimistic that your organization will be part of this vision and play a crucial role in putting music, health and wellbeing in the big picture here, in Ethiopia” (Dr. Melkamu Meaza)
Organizer
Lily Blows
Organizer
