I want music to resonate louder than guns

From Syria, Daraa; seeking Undergraduate degree in Software Engineering and is enrolled at Zarqa University.  

My name is Ghassan Hammoud, from Daraa, Syria. I am 19 years old.

I want to become a musician. I want the songs to resonate louder than guns. 

I want to pursue my  education in software engineering at Zarqa University. 

I can only do that if I can count on your support.

Back in Syria, I had a lot of dreams.

I dreamed that I would form my own band, set up my own studio, and perform in Syria and all over the world. 

But my dream started to collapse when the first shot was fired in my village. 

Then my dream was shattered when the first shell penetrated our home. 

 We moved from one town to another seeking refuge from the shelling. 

 The situation worsened.  I moved to Jordan with my family in 2013.

I continued to ask my self: “how can I achieve my dream?” 

How can I become an artist when I'm a refugee? 

 I decided not to give up. I took music lessons.

 I eventually found the "Action for Hope" foundation that embraced me. 

I continued my music education and started to learn playing the oud. 

I became good in both, but continued my academic journey.  

 I got good grades (83.5) on my high school diploma (Tawjihi) . I also took computer courses. 

 But the cost of my study is too high. I came this far, and felt that only a miracle would allow me to fulfill my dream. 

I have a lot of confidence in my ability to succeed. 

I hope I can count on your support in my journey.

Why should people donate to my campaign?

Through out my life, I kept my options open but I knew deep in my heart that I want to be a musician and continue to work in this field.

My father had great skills and I could have opted to become a skilled mechanic.  But I felt that I had talent that few people had, and felt it would be such a waste not to pursue it.

I believe that success requires skills, practice and perseverance.  Music is a talent that not every one can claim to have. I feel it is a “trust” we are endowed with to share it with others. 

While  I continue to find a place for my self on the music scene, I am still adding a skill, software engineering that will help me make a decent living. I will also acquire through personal efforts soundengineering skills that will help me become independent financialy, help my family and keep me colse to  the music circle. 

I will leave no stone unturned to get to my goal. Will you help me?

Campaign Details: 

Tuition Fees/ Academid year:              $3,400.00

Spring Semester:                                      $ 1,700.00  

Winter Semester:                                       $1,700.00

Summer semester:                                

Dream and Mission Statement

Music is  my passion .  But I know that it would not give me a steady income. 

As a refugee, I felt that I needed a career. I want to go back to my country and regain my dignitiy.

I want to pursue a degree in software engineering. . 

t will allow me to work and cover some of my expenses.I might even be able to develop Arabic music related apps.

Why Would Donors Fund You?

Throughout my life, I kept my options open but I knew deep in my heart that I want to be a musician and continue to work in this field.

My father had great skills and I could have opted to become a skilled mechanic.  But I felt that I had talent that few people had, and felt it would be such a waste not to pursue it.

I believe that success requires skills, practice, and perseverance.  Music is a talent that not everyone can claim to have. I feel it is a “trust” we are endowed with to share it with others. 

While  I continue to carve a place for my self on the music scene, I am still adding a skill, software engineering that will help me make a decent living and keep me in that circle. 

I will leave no stone unturned to get to my goal. Will you help me?. 

How Do You Plan to Payback?

Music is a universal language that unites people. 

When I graduate, I want to contribute to the education of a music student on edSeed. 

I hope I can spread peace through my music, but my dream can only come true with your help and your contribution to my education at the Australian College in Amman, Jordan.  

Volunteer Work/Social Capital

 1. Volunteering in one of the associations (Dhelal); teaching the students to sing and now, have about 24 students under the age of 16 

2. Working as a teacher assistant with The foundation ''Action of Hope'' to teach the Oud instrument

3. Volunteering in a non-profit organization (Hakeem) to teach Oud and Arabic singing 

4. Considered as an Oud player and singer in the foundation "Action for Hope"

What Have You Done to Improve Yourself? Awards and Achievements

1. Took a certificate for the excellent playing of the Oud 

2. Took more than 13 courses in Maqamat and now, able to teach them

3. Performed a lot of concerts in most theaters in Jordan 

4. Took computer courses 

5. Took life skills courses

6. Took many courses related to writing and composing songs 

7. Took courses in rhythm for 3 years 

8. Took marketing courses 

9. Took courses in team leadership 

10. Established  a band (Taleed) of several musicians of the foundation "Action for Hope"