Music is the universal language of mankind. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I have my own particular sorrows, loves, delights; and you have yours. But sorrow, gladness, yearning, hope, love, belong to all of us, in all times and in all places. Music is the only means whereby we feel these emotions in their universality. ~H.A. Overstreet
In Northern Uganda, torn by war for two decades, an amazing act of compassion is taking place with music as the medium.
Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army has abducted an estimated 30,000 children and displaced 1.6 million people since their rebellion began in 1986. The children have been forced to fight as soldiers and commit atrocities such as killing their own families. When these soldiers escape into the bush, they are too ashamed to come home.
But the Ugandan women, survivors of rape, who have managed to escape to displacement camps, are calling the children through their song. Played on the local radio stations, they sing songs of forgiveness, calling the abductees home.
The Voice Project is a music-based initiative, raising awareness and support for the war torn region of Central East Africa. The Voice Project uses the same techniques taught by the Ugandians. Each artist covers another’s song creating a chain of melodies, awareness and support.
How far can a voice carry and pass a message of peace?
I don’t know, but it’s a lovely use of the Internet.
