Transforming children's lives through music

Dear Global Givers,

We'd like to share the story of Ruquayia, a 14-year-old girl from Kuwait, who joined El Sistema Greece this year.

We still remember the first time we met. We asked her if she knew what a violin was, or if she had ever heard one before. She looked at us with surprise and immediately replied, "Of course!" She couldn't wait to start learning.

From that very first lesson, Ruquayia's excitement has never faded. She arrives on time, never misses a lesson, and approaches every new challenge with patience and determination. Whether she is learning a new piece on the violin or singing with the choir, she gives it her full attention.

Ruquayia lives with her family at the Asylum Seekers Facility of Schisto. Because of her dedication and love for music, over the past two months Ruquayia has also become a member of the El Sistema Greece Youth Choir. Living with her family at the Asylum Seekers Facility of Schisto, she makes the journey every Saturday to attend rehearsals in the city centre, with transportation support from El Sistema Greece to ensure she can take part. It wasn't long before she stepped onto the concert stage for the first time. Since then, she has already performed in two concerts with the choir, sharing her beautiful voice with audiences and standing confidently alongside her peers.

Ruquayia is the middle of three siblings, and while we have mostly come to know her through her own quiet determination, we have also seen how much joy she finds in making music with others.

Looking back at that first conversation, it's hard not to smile. The girl who answered "Of course!" when asked about the violin has stayed just as curious, committed, and full of enthusiasm. Watching her grow, one rehearsal and one concert at a time, is a privilege for all of us.

Thank you for making stories like Ruquayia's possible.

With gratitude,

Friends of El Sistema Greece