DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: During these days of the pandemic when uncertainties are riddling most people with anxieties, a community outreach group led by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) recently held a free online ukulele workshop to train people to be calm by keeping the mind busy with music.
The ukulele session was facilitated by Sherry Karen Martinez, a music instructor at the Sing and Swim Training Centre of Thomsun at Ibn Battuta Mall in Jebel Ali, south Dubai, who taught more than 40 participants from the UAE, Singapore and Philippines the basics of playing the instrument.
“It was like going to another dimension wherein all you need to think about is how to make the strings produce the music you want to hear. Such a refreshing activity. It gave some needed time off from the tensions in life. I think it did help me take my mind off from my current situation. It gave me some breathing space,” shared Minnie Marcelo, a Dubai resident and participant of the weekend event held Aug. 29.
Rachelle Salinel, one of the organizers, said putting together activities like this is “our way to relay the message, especially to those who are undergoing depression, that someone is listening and is doing something to help them cope with their situation; for them not to lose hope and to continue believing that together we can surpass any challenges we face while living and working overseas.”
“We provided the free basic ukulele workshop as it is a string instrument that is easy to carry around and it does produce a happy tune. I recall reading its benefits such as lowering stress level and improving brain function and mental clarity. It appeals to people of all ages, too,” Salinel added.
According to a 2011 study published in the British Journal of Psychiatrist by Finnish researchers, music therapy plus standard care shows steady improvement in depressive symptoms among the depressed than those just receiving standard care. It is helpful in improving the general well-being of individuals, as well.
Counselling expert Dr. Rommel Sergio, a supporter of the group, explained that creative arts are valuable tools in combating depression experienced by young and older adults.
Meantime, another Dubai resident, Maluh Malata Yap, said that having her Singapore-based 14-year old daughter Roxanne Jeniña join the session was a commendable activity. “I am happy that she can learn as many string instruments. Playing the ukulele became exciting for her, in addition to the guitar. This is a good activity instead of gadget exposure,” Yap said.
The session was part of a series of creative ways in raising awareness on mental health and in combating depression initiated by the group of volunteers belonging to a church-based community in the UAE. Last year, they organized basic photography, painting and journaling workshops held in a training room on separate dates.
The Daily Bread 