Dear Hans Thomann Foundation!

Schulhafen (school haven) is a low-threshold adult education centre for unhoused people and those with experience of deprivation. It is part of Hoffnungsorte (Places of Hope) Hamburg, a charity working to alleviate poverty and achieve social reforms in Hamburg since 1848. We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the extremely generous donation of musical instruments for our patrons.

In doing so, you support us and our visitors directly, because music is an extremely important component of our work. Music is an immediate escape hatch from the cycle of existential worries and needs in a healing way – at least for a moment.

In addition, making music together creates a connection between people and, since the visitors to the schulhafen come from 47 different countries around the world, it is also an important step for peaceful getting along with each other: Here you have to listen to each other, respond to each other, absorb what the other person plays…

Enclosed, you will find a photo of our extremely popular drum circle, which has been equipped with new instruments through your donation. Please excuse the fact that not all participants of the drum circle are in the photos. Some did not want to be photographed.

The drum circle has also performed in public, which – in addition to all the positive effects of music – also strengthens the self-awareness and self-confidence of the participants.

What joy!

Thank you very much!

September 2023