Update: Drums of Peace in Iraq

Christine in Iraq.

In 2007 and 2008, the Rex Foundation provided grants to help Christine Stevens of UpBeat Drum Circles bring drumming as a peacemaking and community-building tool to war-torn areas of Iraq. (See Drums of Peace and Ripple Effects).

Rex executive director Sandy Sohcot recently received this report and pictures from Christine's latest trip.

Sandy,

Thank you so much for your support of our project in Iraq.

Thanks to Rex Foundation, there are ongoing drum circles weekly in four cities recovering from the war in northern Iraq; including Halabjah, Darbandikhan, Koya, and Suliamaniya. In addition, we were able to join them for a ribbon cutting ceremony of the first-ever music therapy clinic for children's rehabilitation in Iraq.

Happy drumming,

Christine

Christine participates in a drum circle in Darbandikhan.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony at music therapy clinic.

Christine talks to young drummers at the music therapy clinic.

Music therapy clinic for children.

Women's drum circle.

(photo credit: Constantine Alatzas)