ESOL learners at Lewisham College participated in Sonic Minds, a creative project led by Lewisham Music that aims to evaluate the connection between music and wellbeing.
The project was funded by the National Foundation for Youth Music and allowed learners to create music to be shared with the public through a sonic art installation. The installation will be touring public spaces across the borough as part of Lewisham’s London Borough of Culture programme.
Professional musicians and educators Arun Janssens and Yasmin Ali led the project with both bringing a wealth of experience. Research into the project has been carried out by the music charity Sound Connections, alongside researcher and co-founder of the Big Leaf Foundation, Kayte Cable.
Asfa Sohail, Principal at Lewisham College, said: “The Sonic Minds project has provided an excellent opportunity for our ESOL learners to express themselves through music while contributing to a valuable research project.
“At Lewisham College, we highly value being part of the local community, and sharing the music created on the project through art installations is a wonderful way to enrich surrounding areas.”
Pirunthika Partheepan, ESOL learner, said: “I really liked attending the music class and felt very motivated. I built on my confidence and was able to share my thoughts and to speak with freedom.”
To find out more about the ESOL programmes available for learners at Lewisham College, visit lewisham.ac.uk/courses/esol
