Why We Employ Music To Promote Migrant Diversity and Inclusion

People migrate from their host communities forcibly (due to human persecution or exploitation), reluctantly (due to unfavorable conditions in their current locations), or voluntarily (based on their free will or initiative to move).

Migration over the years has had both intended and unintended consequences. Such effects of migration can be classified as either;

– Exclusion: This is a situation where migrants and migrant communities are actively excluded from the economic, social, political, and cultural life of their host communities.

– Inclusion: this is a case where disadvantaged migrant communities are allowed greater participation in the decisions that impact their lives and livelihood; while ensuring they enjoy access to fundamental human rights.

Migration can be either a blessing or a curse. While migration has over the years contributed to the economic, social, and cultural upliftment of most western societies, it equally has led to an increased burden on social amenities and infrastructure in the host communities.

Some might argue that it has led to increased crime rates in the receiving societies; although this argument is flawed and not necessarily true.

Social inclusion includes all the strategies and policies used to combat social exclusion. It involves providing resources to the disadvantaged migrant communities to enjoy the benefits of living in a society. 

Integrating the migrant community into their host communities is a giant task that involves all members and organs of the society. Social, economic, and cultural integration of migrants into their host communities can go a long way in mitigating the downsides of unregulated migration while helping to maximize the benefits of accommodating peoples of different cultural backgrounds.

Migrants and refugees have relied on music as a coping mechanism to protect themselves from their harsh realities. Singing and dancing together as a group has proven to be a great tool for creating nice memories and bonding in communal societies the world over. Numerous studies have shown that music plays a pivotal role in the mental and social development of young kids around the world.

The International Journal for Music Education published a study that showed that arts and music gave students with migrant backgrounds the opportunity to integrate with their host communities effectively. This enables the student to develop important social and personal skills while fostering creativity, emotional empathy, and imagination.

Benefits of Music as a Tool for Social and Cultural Integration of Migrants

Listening to the folk songs of different cultures can stimulate multilingual and intercultural dialogue, ultimately stimulating the acceptance of cultural minorities in urban areas.

The Liberty Experience e.V has been a leading voice in creating safe spaces for migrants and refugees. They are able to use music to air their opinions and successfully communicate with members of their host communities.

We have been able to mobilize world and traditional music professionals and social organizations to work together to foster migrant integrations. We have a desire to renew and share our know-how in the promotion of migrant and minority cultures in German society.

The main objective of this mobilization is to strengthen intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect for other cultures in order to contribute to the economic, cultural, and social integration of migrants and refugees into their host communities.

Projects we have used over the years to achieve our goals include;

– Social workshops 

– Music events

– Career advice workshops

– Mentorship programs for highlighting the language and vocational skills of migrants and refugees.

The Liberty Experience e.V. has created remarkable success over the years working with some of our partners all over Europe and the US.

– Visit.org

– Bellevue Di Monaco

– Amnesty International

– Benevity

Liberty Experience e.V. is launching the second video from the Heart Beat Sessions. The HBS is an exciting platform for amazing artists of immigrant backgrounds to showcase their talents while also being agents of positive change.

This fourth edition of Heart Beat Sessions features Charles Ogim (D’SaxLord) – a highly-talented Munich-based saxophonist and songwriter who has performed on big stages across Germany. #HBS #HeartBeatSessions

Liberty Experience simplifies integration for migrants in Germany by leveraging the power of music to foster a climate of understanding and acceptance in the receiving community. You can support us here.

To watch this edition of HBS, go on to our channel YouTube, and all our social platforms.

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