The majority of Palestinian children UPA supports live in refugee camps in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Lebanon or Jordan, or other marginalized areas. They face a multitude of challenges depending on their location including siege, military occupation, curfews, poverty, and malnutrition.

Imagine the toll these realities have on children’s development. Where is their childhood? Where is their hope and inspiration for the future?

Al Kamandjati Association, a non-profit organization founded by Palestinian musician and composer Ramzi Aburedwan, uses music as a lever for empowerment. Since its founding 15 years ago, 2,000 children in Palestine and Lebanon have benefitted from Al Kamandjati’s music education programs.

This March, UPA hosted two concerts – in Maryland and in Michigan – featuring Ramzi Aburedwan and the Dal’ouna Ensemble. We are thankful to our friends and supporters in both communities who joined us to support music education for Palestinian and Syrian children living in Burj Barajneh and Shatila refugee camps in Lebanon. As young generations continue to be born and raised in crowded camps, music education is ever more critical for their spirit and creative growth.