Global Superstar Ellie Goulding Brings Music and Hope to Zaatari Refugee Camp

In a heartwarming and compassionate gesture, global music sensation Ellie Goulding graced the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan with her presence for the grand opening of the Zaatari Music & Arts Center. This incredible initiative is a collaborative project between the Dream Day Foundation, Questscope, and the Playing for Change Foundation. Ellie’s visit not only lit up the camp but also shone a spotlight on the transformative power of art and music in the face of adversity.

Ellie’s Inspirational Journey

While at the Zaatari camp, Ellie Goulding immersed herself in the rich Syrian cultural heritage. She witnessed stirring music performances, interacted with young female visual artists with entrepreneurial aspirations, admired a gallery showcasing their impressive work, enjoyed a mesmerizing dance performance by a girls’ troupe spanning ages 4 to 14, and left her own mark by recording vocals in the brand-new recording studio.

Expressing her feelings about the visit, Ellie said,

“It was an honor to visit Zaatari today. For those who have lost everything and been displaced from their homes, music and the arts can be powerful tools to heal trauma and rediscover personal identity through creativity. We must not forget that 110 million people are currently forcibly displaced from their homes, the highest since World War II. We must face this crisis together as a global community.”

Ellie’s visit underscores the importance of solidarity and the role of artists in raising awareness about pressing global issues. Her activism in the realms of environment and humanitarian causes has earned her recognition and respect worldwide.

A Lifeline of Creativity

Thanks to the partnership between the Playing for Change Foundation (PFCF), Questscope, and Dream Day Foundation (DDF), the young residents of the Zaatari Refugee Camp, who make up 60% of its 85,000 inhabitants, now have access to culturally enriched music and arts education. This transformative offering includes guitar, drums, oud, voice, and dance classes, as well as a state-of-the-art recording studio and a community performance space.

One of the most exciting aspects of this project is the opportunity for students to collaborate with their peers from other PFCF locations worldwide. This collaboration extends to recording, performing, and even creating music videos. It’s a beautiful way to bring people together through the universal language of music.

The grand opening event was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Fairmont Amman, which hosted Ellie and the delegation from PFCF, Questscope, and DDF.

Art and Music as Healing

In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, the Zaatari Music & Arts Center represents a beacon of hope and healing. It offers the youth of the refugee camp a sanctuary where they can overcome trauma through creative expression, discover their inner selves, and build a brighter future.

Ellie Goulding‘s visit is a testament to the power of music and art to unite, heal, and inspire. It reminds us all that we are a global community, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

As the world continues to grapple with the refugee crisis, initiatives like the Zaatari Music & Arts Center remind us that there is hope, resilience, and the potential for a brighter tomorrow, all fueled by the universal language of music and art.

In times of darkness, music and art illuminate the path to hope, and Ellie Goulding’s visit to Zaatari Refugee Camp is a shining example of that.