Sting Donates his Prize Money to Syrian Refugees Among Others
by Ani Karapetyan/Contributing Writer
In February 2017, British musician, Sting, won Swedish Polar Music Prize, and on Monday announced that he donated the one million kronor ($118,000) awarded in prize money to a refugee non-profit.
In a statement posted on the organization’s website Sting said “I was deeply honoured to receive this year’s Swedish Polar Music Prize and now, I am delighted to donate the prize money to the Swedish youth initiative Songlines”
The Songlines project involves young asylum seekers mainly from Afghanistan, Eritrea and Syria who have fled war and are now living in Sweden. According to the project’s website, Songlines offers musical activities to help them integrate into wider Swedish community.
“Music is a fantastic tool for integration! Through music, new friendships are formed and language skills are developed,” said Julia Sandwall, national coordinator for Songlines. The project will spend the prize money on organizing music camps, arranging concerts and buying musical instruments for the young refugees.
Sting stated that “Music can help build bridges and this project highlights the vital role that music can play in providing young refugees the opportunity to connect with a new society,”
British rockstar Sting is known for his active support for refugees. His latest album features a song called “Inshallah.” The song is dedicated to all refugees and their sufferings.
