Hope amidst chaos: Haitian students find refuge in music

Amid Haiti's turmoil, where violence and hunger have gripped the nation, a group of resilient children in Port-au-Prince are turning to the power of music. Despite the grim reality of gang-controlled streets, where daily conflicts claim lives and thousands live in fear, these young musicians have found hope in the rhythm of their beats.

Woodberson Seïde: beating the odds

Eleven-year-old Woodberson Seïde, a budding percussionist, walks hand in hand with his stepsister through the streets of the Haitian capital. They navigate cautiously, avoiding gang territory on their way to an after-school music program. Woodberson, like many others, often goes without proper meals and sleeps on the floor of a church since his family lost their home to gang violence.

"When I play drums, I feel proud," he says with a glimmer.

Music's transformative power

Woodberson is part of a band called "Hope," a testament to the resilience that music brings. He began his musical journey two years ago, when he enrolled in an after-school program run by the U.S. non-profit Music Heals International. Despite shooting in the background, these young musicians get together twice a week for two hours of music, forging a path towards a brighter future.

Mickelson Pierre, who once learned to play the guitar through the program and now teaches it, emphasizes the transformative power of music. "It's something extraordinary, and it leads to peace of mind," he notes.

In this program, students have the freedom to choose their instruments. With 90 guitars, 62 keyboards, 24 bass guitars, and more, they explore various Haitian musical traditions, ranging from rara to compas to mizik rasin (roots music). Together, teachers and students decide on the genres they'll explore, including compas, reggae, rock, Latino music, and African rhythms.

A path away from gangs

As they immerse themselves in music, these budding musicians excel academically, and their parents breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they're less likely to be drawn into the clutches of local gangs, says music program manager Emmanuel Piervil.

Beyond Woodberson's band, another group called "PMF" (Plezi Music au Feminin or "Enjoy Feminine Music") has found solace and hope in creating music. Ester Ceus, a 17-year-old band member, shares, "When I am playing the piano, I release a vibe that I did not know I have in me. It makes me feel relaxed."

A beacon of hope in chaos

Music Heals International's program, which began with just 60 children, has now grown to include 400 students across eight schools. Many of whom have had the chance to perform at local concerts and even form their own bands.

The importance of providing these youngsters with a moment of safety and peace despite the upheaval is emphasized by Ann Lee, CEO and co-founder of Community Organized Relief Effort, a California charity that sponsors the program. According to Lee,

"To be transported to a place where that is not the first thing that comes to mind when you're away from your family and home, it's a gift." Through the healing power of music, these tenacious Haitian students are creating a future filled with hope and possibilities.

She highlights the necessity of schools as lifelines, providing a haven for children to escape the harsh reality that surrounds them.