IMMIGRANT SONGS: Elise Witt incorporates music in teaching English

We are all the kin of immigrants or refugees — if you go back far enough. In the past three to four decades the sociopolitical upheavals in other countries have created a need for sanctuary and asylum for millions of people, many forced to leave their homeland due to violence, terrorism, oppression, and extreme poverty. As the need for support services in the US has increased, Clarkston, Georgia has become a safe and welcome haven for many of these refugees. However, basic housing and social support only scratches the surface of need.

According to Elise Witt, the Pine Lake folk singer and former GVP Director of Music Programs, “The program was initially started as a ‘Saturday school’  for parents and older siblings of elementary school students at the International Community School in Avondale. The Global Village Project grew out of an observed need for some specifically-focused services for young female refugees.”

In 2009, the Global Village Project was officially opened in Decatur to prepare young female refugees for entry into Georgia’s educational system. Many had no English skills and had received limited formal education in their former countries. Adding to GVP’s challenge was the fact that the large population of young women come from about 40 different countries, many with their own language. The task was formidable, but Witt came on board at the GVP with universal tools — music and singing.

“Imagine A Circle: The Global Village Songbook” is the culmination of Witt’s 15 year tenure with the GVP. Both a celebration of an amazing project and a teaching guide to be passed on, the songbook is filled with 55 original and reconstructed songs that focus on some aspect of refugee life, centered on education and self-awareness, all framed in a manner that teaches English in a universal format — through song. In addition, there are some wonderful essays describing the program and the positive impact it has had on the lives of many students and teachers.

Witt, an immigrant from Switzerland — she came to this country at four years of age — fully understands the dilemma the students at GVP face. “I was put in nursery school in order to learn English, and stayed silent for six months before I said a word, then I spoke English,” she recalls. As her love of music guided her career, life choices, and travels, Witt observed that music and singing is a part of every culture, and her approach embraces this universal language. “Regardless of the native language, all the GVP students have some musical and singing history. By using songs to teach English, we can address academics, culture, and even things like resilience and gratitude.”

The process has been ongoing since Witt began collaborating with the GVP teaching staff in 2009, evolving into a comprehensive and effective system of education presented through the collective medium of music.

Witt notes, “We use some common familiar melodies and write words that teach concepts like Math – ‘Mean, Median, Mode’ to the tune of ‘Three Blind Mice’, but we also write original songs, with the help and participation of the students, in order to personalize them.” There are songs about science, social studies and, of course, “English Is Weird” is a staple of the English as a Second Language (ESL) curriculum.

One particularly powerful technique is the collaborative effort with students to create original songs about their lives, incorporating their country’s unique fables, addressing the importance of traditions, women’s wisdom, and exploring human rights. By doing so, the process acknowledges an awareness of the primary aspects in a refugee’s life experience.

According to Witt, “‘The ‘Fables’ song was based on the rich oral storytelling found in all countries, and the chorus we wrote was a starting point for each student to contribute a verse based on a fable from their own culture.” What emerged was the awareness of profound commonalities in the various cultures, and the realization that in spite of geographical differences, shared human experiences exist, not only in heritage and history, but in modern day life the world over.

The incorporation of music as a teaching vehicle has been exceedingly successful. Former student Ehsoe Moo, whose parents are Burmese refugees, was born in a refugee camp in Thailand. She participated in the GVP for almost three years as a student, working through the three “Form Levels” before transitioning to a regular school with a better language skill. Moo is now a teaching assistant at the GVP, and, in fluent English, reflects on the experience. “It was initially frustrating and I had some fear because I knew no English at all, but the experience was very good for me. I still feel a little odd sometimes, as it is a double role — even though I am now a teacher, I still feel like a student at times.” She and Witt acknowledge the symbiotic relationship fostered by the program when they agree “All the students are teachers, and all the teachers are students.” Moo also contributed art for the songbook.

Empowerment for females is an integral component of the school’s mission, and Witt has been instrumental in the development of a curriculum entitled “Women’s Wisdom.” With songs such as “Follow Your Dream,” “Keep Going,” and “Whatever Chance Comes, Take It!,” the message is powerful and incessant, designed to overcome learned helplessness and inspire optimism and drive.

Witt proudly tells the story of how guest speakers influenced this section of the program. “We’ve had several wonderful women who were immigrants and refugees, all successful in life, come and speak to the classes. As each one was ‘telling their story,’ the students took notes, asked questions, and we recorded the presentations. Later, the students invited the speakers to graduation, and performed songs for each one of them, having written ‘their story.’” Dr. Gulshan Harjee, co-founder of the Clarkston Community Health Center, was one of the speakers whose story became a song, titled “Follow Your Dreams.” She writes about it with deep love and gratitude in the songbook.

The upcoming celebration, with a concert, performed by current students and alumni, under the direction of Witt and the new Director of Music Programs, Akua Taylor, will include songs from “Imagine A Circle.” Witt retired in May of this year, but will continue to be a part of the GVP Mentor program.

As America faces an inevitable paradigm shift in the upcoming elections, the hot topic of immigrants and refugees has been a very divisive, toxic, and highly manipulated talking point. Immigrants and refugees face an uncertain future depending on the outcome. One only needs to look at the impact of immigration and refugee support in American history and the success of programs such as the GVP, to see just how much potential for acclimation and social contribution is still coming into the country. Another important aspect in this challenging task that must be addressed is the accommodation of refugee’s cultural mores and practices, from access to clothing, native foods, and opportunities to maintain and engage in celebration of their religious beliefs. The choices are clear – a progressive forward movement honoring the basic fundamental premise that created and shaped the greatness of America by its immigrants, and will continue to welcome those with the potential to make this a better country for everyone, or an isolationist/deportationist authoritarian plan to deny that opportunity to those with the greatest need, yet with great potential. In light of the astounding success and positivity of programs such as the GVP, the decision is obvious. —CL—

(Full transparency: The author is a privileged immigrant whose family voluntarily came to the United States when he was 6 years old, and could speak English, albeit with a Scottish accent.)

“Imagine A Circle,” to celebrate Global Village Project’s 15th Anniversary and the release of “Imagine A Circle: The Global Village Songbook.” Saturday, September 28, 2024, Oakhurst Center for Community, 222 East Lake Dr., Decatur, GA, 30030. Doors open 4:30 p.m., program begins 5:00 p.m., reception at 6:30 p.m. Directed by Elise Witt and Akua Taylor, featuring GVP students, alumni, and special guests. Your donation in any amount is your entry to the concert hall. Seating is first come, first serve. Your receipt is your way in! RSVP for tickets here

“Imagine A Circle: The Global Village Songbook” contains 55 songs written by, with, and for the students of GVP. It is designed for using singing & songwriting with multilingual learners. The book, or a digital version, is available to purchase here. All proceeds from this concert and songbook sales will benefit GVP.