MAKING PEACE LOUDER THAN WAR
For more than 25 years, Musicians Without Borders has worked alongside communities affected by war, conflict and displacement. Together with local partners, we use music to strengthen resilience, rebuild trust and create lasting social change.
We believe lasting peace is built from the ground up. By training local music leaders and working alongside communities over the long term, we create programmes that continue to grow long after our direct involvement has ended.
Rwanda Youth Music
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Music Connects
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Bara’em Ghirass براعم غراس
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Al-Musiqa Tajm’ana الموسيقى تجمعنا
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Welcome Notes NL
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Kivu Youth Music
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Armonia Cuscatleca
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¡Soy Música!
View projectWHY MUSIC matters
Music reaches people before language does. It allows us to meet as equals, even when we don’t share a language, culture or history. Making music together requires listening, cooperation and trust. It creates moments where people experience one another not as enemies, strangers or refugees, but simply as fellow human beings.
Music reaches people before language does. It allows us to meet as equals, even when we don’t share a language, culture or history. Making music together requires listening, cooperation and trust. It creates moments where people experience one another not as enemies, strangers or refugees, but simply as fellow human beings.
That’s why music is not an addition to our work.
It is our methodology.
Music
CONNECTS
HEALS
COMFORTS
LISTENS
EMPOWERS
UNITES
RESTORES TRUST
CREATES BELONGING
AMPLIFIES VOICES
CROSSES BORDERS
BUILDS PEACE
Our work is guided by three foundations
The Power of Music
Music connects where words cannot.
Human Rights
Everyone deserves dignity, safety and the freedom to belong.
Nonviolence
Peace begins with respect, dialogue and empathy.
How We Work
Locally Led
Lasting change grows from within communities.
Long-term partnerships
We invest in relationships, not one-off projects.
Demand-driven
Every programme starts by listening.
Music leadership
Local leaders continue the work long after we’re gone.
From refugee camps to a global movement
Musicians Without Borders began in 1999 as a small group of socially engaged musicians bringing performances and workshops to refugee camps in the Netherlands.
Today, we work across Europe, East Africa, the Middle East and Central America, supporting local musicians, educators and communities to create sustainable music programmes that continue long after we leave.
“Peace isn’t built through words alone. Sometimes it begins by making music together.”
— Laura Hassler, founder and director Musicians Without Border
Meet the team
Laura Hassler
Founder and director
Laura joined the program to share his passion for rhythm and has the talent to teach children and youth how to play percussion.
Chris Nicholson
Program development
Program manager East Africa
Chris joined the program to share his passion for rhythm and has the talent to teach children and youth how to play percussion.
Irma Kort
Instrument fund
Irma joined the program to drive social inclusion and has the talent to strengthen support systems for people with disabilities.
Anna Rose Swinkels
Office support
Anna joined the program to drive social inclusion and has the talent to strengthen support systems for people with disabilities.
Ray Gibson
Fundraising Development Consultant
Ray joined the program to drive social inclusion and has the talent to strengthen support systems for people with disabilities.
Suelènn Graanoogst
Content and Digital Creator
Suelènn joined the program to drive social inclusion and has the talent to strengthen support systems for people with disabilities.