The American Refugee Committee, or ARC, is a wonderful nonprofit that periodically sends me news from its headquarters in Minneapolis. Recently, I learned about its Welcome Home blog, which reports on the organization’s Changemaker initiatives, including this music collaboration in Thailand’s Dong Yang Refugee Camp.
“Every year,” writes ARC, “we hold a global ideas competition with our staff around the world. We love seeing the inspiring, new ideas that are submitted.
“This year, we were excited to see one of these ideas come to life in Thailand. Facilitated by ARC and Playing for Change, an organization using music to connect people around the world, this Changemaker idea brought together kids in Dong Yang refugee camp for a two day music workshop including creative, visual arts projects and music lessons.
“For young kids stuck inside the confines of a refugee camp, the workshop provided a much-needed creative outlet. One participating staff member remarked, ‘The participants so thoroughly enjoyed the activity and lost track of time while participating because they were so involved.’
“A group from Minneapolis had the chance to travel to Dong Yang to participate in the workshop and production of a music video.” More at blogspot.
Here’s hoping that the two days will lead to a lot more for these children.
Photo: American Refugee Committee
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
Music, again! I think most people underestimate the power it has.
I love that there is music on a lot at Suzanne’s house and I can dance in the kitchen with the kids. They have different, equally funny dancing styles at ages 1 and almost 4.
Yay for ukuleles in the hands of these music-makers. And hurrah for dancing at home with grandchildren!
I learn so many inventive moves from dancers who don’t know anyone has created rules — and wouldn’t care anyway.