Palestine-based music teacher employs drone melodies to educate students in eerie footage
In the heart of Gaza, a region often plagued by conflict and blockades, music teacher Mohand Al Ashram is defying the odds and continuing to educate his students using an unconventional teaching aid - the sound of an Israeli drone.
Mohand, a Palestinian singer and Oud player, has been sharing videos online where he uses the drone's sound to teach children the notes of the musical scale. He employs the Solfege system to guide his students aurally, encouraging them to match the pitch of the drone and shift to different notes.
The use of an Israeli drone's sound as a teaching aid for the notes of the musical scale is a method that Mohand has been implementing, and it has been met with a heartwarming response. The distinctive sound of the drone, often associated with tension and fear, is being transformed into a tool for learning, specifically focusing on the ominous sounds.
This innovative approach is part of a larger context where music is being used as a means of expression and resilience during the Israel-Gaza conflict. The scenes in the video highlight how music transcends despair and continues to be played on both sides of the conflict.
The video features a small classroom of children and the distinct sound of a drone in the background. Mohand can be seen encouraging the children to join in, creating a unique and engaging learning environment.
Despite the devastation, music lessons have continued to be taught in Gaza, with musicians such as Mohand and violin teacher Sama Najm giving lessons to children in shelters. Mohand captioned his video, stating, "The sound of the occupation planes is trying to disturb us, but we are exploiting their sound to teach music to children in Gaza."
This innovative teaching method exemplifies how technology can bridge educational gaps in conflict zones, ensuring students continue to learn music even during crises. However, it's not without its challenges. Technical limitations of drones in delivering lessons, safety concerns in an active conflict zone, and access to instruments and learning materials alongside lessons are some of the hurdles that need to be addressed.
Nevertheless, the resilience and creativity shown by Mohand Al Ashram and other educators in Gaza serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, education can thrive. This method could inspire similar approaches in other conflict or remote areas, showing how technology can overcome barriers in education.
Education and self-development persist in the midst of adversity, as evident in the innovative teaching methods employed by music teacher Mohand Al Ashram in Gaza. Using an Israeli drone's sound as a unique teaching aid for the notes of the musical scale, Mohand fosters an engaging learning environment for his students amidst conflict, showcasing how technology can bridge educational gaps even in challenging circumstances.
