One of the workshops offered by Xamfrà, the socially inclusive centre for music and performing arts in the El Raval district, is aimed at integrating newly-arrived mothers and their babies through music. The hour-long session is given by a music teacher and uses music and dance to strengthen integration bonds.

“When we started the workshop, newly-arrived mothers didn’t really get involved much. However, when they saw the positive effect that music had on their babies their attitude became more positive and now they enjoy the activity”, explains Albada Blay, music teacher and director of the workshop for mothers and babies. The activity takes place every Wednesday from October to June at Xamfrà, the music and performing arts centre for social inclusion in the El Raval district.

For one hour, mothers and babies learn traditional Catalan songs, take part in mini-choreographies, discover the sounds of musical instruments and listen to small fragments of opera. As well as transmitting the pleasure of music to all those taking part, the exercises are a good way of building bonds. According to Blay: “Music is the means of working on the bonds, integration and inclusion of mothers and their children as they use it to learn the Catalan culture and language while they play, something very important for their overall integration”.

One of the mothers in the group, Eliana Lazcano, explains: “Thanks to the knowledge I’ve acquired on the course I can prepare games and sing Catalan songs for my 2 children once we’re home, and we really like that!” There are currently 2 groups of mothers from 2 foundations in Barcelona, the Casal dels Infants and the Fundació Escó. As well as newly-arrived mothers, the Xamfrà is also working to include local families: “Newly-arrived mothers learn a lot by example, and seeing how local people act within the same group helps them work on inclusion”, explains the music teacher.