The AM Qattan Foundation launched the Gaza Music School (GMS) project in Gaza City on 1 July 2008 as part of its vision to achieve sustainable cultural development. The project was co-financed by the Swedish Agency for International Development (SIDA).
On 5 October 2008, the GMS opened its doors to the first class of students, 31 boys and girls, in one of the buildings of the Red Crescent in Tal al-Hawa, providing the first-ever long-term music education programme in the Gaza Strip.
Afew months after launch, Israeli attacks on Gaza nearly brought an end to this ambitious project, as the Israeli bombing on 14 January 2009 hit and destroyed the School’s premises, while the building itself happened to be empty of people.
Despite this, the Foundation has worked hard to continue its pioneering project. On 15 April 2009, the Foundation was able to re-launch the GMS, develop its resources, consolidate its administrative and academic foundations, and build a network of important partnerships locally and internationally. This has enabled the School to establish its active presence in the Gaza Strip.
On 1 April 2012, the Foundation handed the GMS over to the Board of Trustees of Birzeit University to become the first branch of the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in the Gaza Strip. By then the number of enrolled students had reached 125, all participating in an integrated educational programme on nine instruments: oud, qanun, piano, violin, guitar, trumpet, cello, flute, and percussion, under the supervision of an expert academic and administrative team of 15, and equipped with the necessary educational resources and office supplies.
The AM Qattan Foundation would like to extend its thanks and gratitude to all of its partners for their continued support of this future-looking project.