The conditions on the Greek islands are catastrophic, especially for refugee children. Inhumane conditions prevail in the overcrowded camps on Europe's external borders. In the midst of this reality, children are trying to find their own way to survive.

From January to July 2021, HANGARMUSIK facilitated a project on-site in the EU hotspot camp on the island of Chios, Greece.

Thanks to the support of the aid organisation "Wir packen's an" from Bad Freienwalde, violins and cellos were transported to Chios. On site, cooperation with the organisations "Action for Education" and "MetaDrasi" gave us access to various facilities: the container school in Camp VIAL, a shelter for unaccompanied refugee children in Chios town and other local sites across the island where children without access to schools were being accommodated.

In all these places, we began working with children and young people to learn to play the violin and cello. Playing music together regularly promoted meaningful connection and community in  extremely difficult circumstances. Our work on Chios was driven by the conviction that music is not just a luxury for the few, but a human right.