Approximately 30 Turkish, Iraqi and Syrian children who took part in the choir formed nine months ago at Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants (ASAM) Ankara Multi-Service Support Center, became one of the best examples of social cohesion.
Children, who performed on stage in many activities organized in Ankara, meet on Saturdays and sing Turkish and Arabic songs. 12-year-old Begümsu Bayrak, who goes to sixth grade, expresses that together with her friends from the group, they sometimes take their guitars and practice at school, and she is happy for having many Iraqi and Syrian friends. Bayrak goes on to say, “I became aware of the choir when my friend mentioned it at school, and I felt great here. I made many friends when I came here. It’s like we speak the same language. I already loved singing. I’m amazed when I sing in Arabic and think about how I could sing like that. I like Arabic songs”.
Two other children from the choir are Mohammed and Nawres Hayder Al-Grubi brothers. Mohammed is 15, Nawres is 12 years old. Both children have indicated how happy they are to be singing with Turkish children. Mohammed says, “It’s been 7 months since I joined the choir. I wanted to join after my brother started taking part in it. We speak about our countries with my friends in the choir. Sometimes, my friends correct me when I pronounce the words wrong and help me learn Turkish”. Whereas, Nawres points out, “we are close friends with everyone. I made good friends at choir; we also play chess and word games together”.
ASAM Ankara Multi-Service Support Center Social Cohesion Expert Hamide Kayadelen conveys that they are trying to create a shared living space for Turkish, Iraqi and Syrian children. She says, “As children get to know each other, their friendships grow stronger. Of course, the children must first observe one another to achieve this. Their communication strengthens as they carry out joint activities together. Their feeling of solidarity develops. Children are able to realize themselves with the efforts of all of us”.
