"Bridges": SRH University launches project to promote music among young refugees

Heidelberg, 06.03.2025 – Since January 2025, SRH University of Applied Sciences Heidelberg has been managing the ‘Bridges’ project, which supports refugee children, adolescents and young adults. The initiative is being funded by the European Union's Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) with 669,888.72 euros over three years.

Under the scientific direction of Prof. Dr Alexander F. Wormit, SRH University is contributing its expertise in music therapy and music education to the initiative. Together with the Verein für Interkulturelle Musik Metropolregion e.V., represented by Cordula Reiner-Wormit and Jutta Glaser, as well as other renowned partners such as the Amt für Soziales und Senioren der Stadt Heidelberg, Karlstorbahnhof e.V., Caritas Heidelberg e.V. and Asylarbeitskreis Heidelberg e.V., the university is committed to the integration and empowerment of young refugees.

As part of ‘Bridges’, musical meeting and development spaces are being created in three refugee centres in Heidelberg. The weekly ‘Spielraum Musik’ programme invites participants to sing and experience songs from their countries of origin as well as current hits. They also benefit from individual instrumental lessons and band workshops that strengthen their creative skills and social bonds.

Particular highlights of the project are the intercultural concerts, which take place four times a year in cooperation with professional musicians, including at Karlstorbahnhof e.V.. These events not only offer a platform for musical expression, but also promote social interaction and cultural participation.

By combining music therapy and music education, SRH University supports the mental health as well as the social and emotional skills of young refugees with ‘Bridges’. The project strengthens their self-confidence and facilitates their access to German society.

For interview requests, please contact [email protected], further information on the project can be found at www.bridgesmusik.com

The Bridges project is funded by the European Union.