Muzyka jako narzędzie integracji uchodźców w Niemczech

The recent influx of refugees to Europe on an unprecedented scale especially in the second half of 2015 has met with varied, generally very skeptical responses in the host countries or countries of their potential relocation. For Germany, which is the destination of the largest number of refugees (mainly from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran) who have fled from persecution and terror, the situation poses a great challenge. The German society responded with considerable openness to the needs of the immigrants and initiatives for the benefit of refugees were also joined by cultural and artistic circles. Surprisingly many projects and grass roots initiatives have been undertaken with the aim of assisting the newcomers to get accustomed to the new environment and integrate through music. The impulse came both from professionals and amateurs, young people (mostly music school students) as well as renowned public figures. The text presents a broad spectrum of different types of activities and joint initiatives undertaken by individual people and organized groups (choirs, bands, societies, associations, etc.) for the benefit of refugees and together with them in order to enable them to participate actively in performing music, to help them master the German language (through learning songs and musical games), to give them an opportunity to relax from the treadmill of day to day existence by inviting them to involve in concerts organized specially for them and above all to facilitate their integration with the German society.