Music Brings Joy and Structure to Lage-Hörste Emergency Shelter

Every Thursday morning, a wave of excitement washes over the children at the emergency shelter in Lage-Hörste. It’s music time! Janine Dahlmann, deputy director of the Lage music school, arrives to fill the air with melodies and rhythms, transforming the shelter into a place of joy and learning.

This enriching program, launched after the summer holidays, is made possible by the “Heimat: Musik” project, a commendable initiative of the state association of music schools in North Rhine-Westphalia. Around twelve children, aged two to fourteen, eagerly participate each week, their faces lighting up as they explore the world of music.

A Symphony of Learning and Fun

The music initiative is proving to be a resounding success, offering both children and adults a much-needed dose of creative expression and community. “The children in particular are happy to accept the regularity and structure. At the same time, they expand their knowledge of German through play,” observes Johanna Neugebauer, environment manager for the Malteser at theLage-Hörste emergency shelter, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of the program.

The music lessons are a vibrant mix of instruments and voices. Guitars strum, rattles shake, and sound instruments create a unique symphony of sound. Songs are sung in various languages, fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity. To cap off their musical journey, the children are planning a special performance for the shelter’s upcoming Christmas party.

Janine Dahlmann, brimming with enthusiasm, shares, “The children learn quickly and demand this. The language differences are not a problem, everyone helps each other. We look forward to the next few months together.”

Her dedication reflects the spirit of the program – a testament to the power of music to heal, unite, and inspire.

The success of the initiative has prompted Dahlmann to apply for continued funding, ensuring that the joyful melodies will continue to resonate through the halls of the Lage-Hörste emergency shelter until mid-July 2025, creating a legacy of hope and harmony for its residents.

What inspired⁣ Janine ​Dahlmann⁢ to start the music program at⁤ the Lage-Hörste emergency shelter?

⁤Let’s chat⁢ with ​Janine ‍Dahlmann, the deputy director of the Lage music school, who brings the joy of music to the Lage-Hörste emergency​ shelter.

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**Interviewer:** Janine, thank you so much ⁢for joining us ‍today. Can you tell​ us about the music program you’re running at the⁤ Lage-Hörste emergency shelter?

**Janine‍ Dahlmann:** It’s my pleasure! Every Thursday morning, I ⁣visit ⁤the shelter and bring music to the children.⁢ We sing,⁣ play instruments, and simply ⁢enjoy making music together.

**Interviewer:** This​ program sounds wonderful. What ‍inspired you to start it?

**Janine Dahlmann:** The “Heimat: Musik” project, a state initiative, provided the opportunity‌ to bring music into the ⁣lives of children in ‍need. When I learned about the Lage-Hörste shelter, I knew it was⁤ the perfect place to share the power of music.

**Interviewer:** How has the ⁤program been received by the children?

**Janine Dahlmann:** The response has been ​incredible! The children eagerly anticipate my ‍arrival each week. Music creates a ⁣sense of normalcy,‍ joy, and structure in their often challenging lives.

**Interviewer:**⁢ It’s⁣ heartwarming to hear. What‍ are some of the benefits you’ve observed?

**Janine Dahlmann:** Music has a unique ability‌ to connect us emotionally. It helps the children express themselves, develop confidence, and ⁣build bonds with each other.

**Interviewer:** That’s⁤ truly inspiring, Janine.‍ Thank you for sharing​ your work with us ⁤and​ for bringing the gift of music to​ these children.