The Transformative Power of Music: A Piano's Journey to Empower Ethiopia's Girls

Girma Yifrashewa's journey with his first piano was a testament to the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing one's musical dreams. From the exhilaration of receiving the instrument to the logistical hurdles of getting it to his home in Ethiopia, his story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music. Now, as the director of the Ashenafi Kebede performing arts centre at Addis Ababa University, Yifrashewa is using his experiences to empower a new generation of young musicians, particularly girls in a remote region of the country.

Unlocking Opportunities Through the Gift of Music

Overcoming Obstacles to Bring a Piano to Life

Girma Yifrashewa's journey with his first piano was a testament to the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing one's musical dreams. The process of having the instrument shipped to Ethiopia and navigating the customs process was a mammoth task, but Yifrashewa persevered, driven by his passion for music. The experience taught him the value of determination and resilience, qualities that would serve him well in his remarkable international career as a pianist.

Paying It Forward: Bringing a Piano to a Girls' Boarding School

Years later, Yifrashewa had the opportunity to help others experience the transformative power of music. When the Pharo Foundation came up with the idea of raising funds in London to buy a piano for a girls' boarding school in north-west Ethiopia, the musician quickly got on board. The journey of this piano, from London to the Homosha school in Benishangul-Gumuz state, was reminiscent of Yifrashewa's own experience, but this time, the destination was a place where musical opportunities were scarce.

Empowering Girls Through Music Education

The arrival of the piano at the Homosha school was a momentous occasion, celebrated by students and their families. Yifrashewa himself took the stage, playing a combination of European and Ethiopian music, inspiring the young audience. The foundation's efforts to provide this resource were driven by a desire to give girls in a remote region access to a high-quality and free education, with music being a key component of that vision.

Fostering Collaboration and Innovation in Music Education

The Pharo Foundation's work in Ethiopia extends beyond simply providing a piano. They are also collaborating with Addis Ababa University's Yared school of music, the country's only formal music college, to design an innovative piano class specifically for the girls at the Homosha school. This partnership aims to ensure that the students receive the best possible music education, empowering them to pursue their own musical dreams.

Overcoming Adversity and Displacement

The Homosha school was established in 2020 with the capacity to serve 250 pupils, in a region where fewer than half of all girls are in secondary education. Many of the students come from households that have suffered from displacement due to the civil war, and some are even orphans. The piano's arrival represents a beacon of hope, a symbol of the transformative power of music to uplift and inspire even in the face of adversity.

Yifrashewa's Musical Journey: From Kirar to Grand Piano

Girma Yifrashewa's own musical journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of music. From an early age, he played the kirar, a traditional harp-like Ethiopian string instrument, before studying at the Yared school of music and later attending the Bulgarian state conservatory. Despite the challenges he faced, including the loss of his scholarship and the arduous journey of his first piano, Yifrashewa never lost sight of his passion for music. It was 25 years before he acquired his first grand piano, a testament to his unwavering dedication and the obstacles he had overcome.