by Salma Omar and Ahmed Homaida
Drum Circle

Even recycling can be creative – as demonstrated by Salma Omar and her musician group Drum Circle. They organised their own workshop where plastic waste is reused in a clever way to make drums.

With their workshop, the musicians wanted to create a sense of community in the group as well as an awareness of environmental protection and recycling. The participants were encouraged to find creative solutions to problems. In the practical part of the event, the participants mainly learned about traditional drum-making techniques such as the Sudanese nuggara. It was particularly exciting to experiment with different forms of the instrument and the process of reinterpretation through the use of unusual materials. This enabled a new structure that is not only sustainable, but also lasting and inventive. The grant paid for utensils such as drum heads and other aids that were necessary for assembling the recycled instruments.
 
The jointly produced drums made drum circles with up to 30 people possible. In future, further events such as concerts and workshops will take place as part of the activities of the dedicated music group. With its attractive and varied offer, the initiative has managed to expand its network and to attract various actors in the community such as businesses and schools and to deal with tailored topics. With this newly gained experience, they were able to gain useful knowledge about their partners and grow with the challenges. During a training course on business models, the group was also able to gain know-how on topics such as project management and budget planning.
 
Further exciting activities are planned by the Drum Circle in future, for example a workshop for Sudanese handicrafts and instrument making. In addition, a prospective project could help to spread the message of roots, rhythm and nature through lessons and drum circle sessions.