Times are uncertain. The world is divided with war and hate. A mental health pandemic has erupted. Hip Hop provides many creative tools to express what we think and feel: e.g. paint, beats, rhythm, rhyme and movement. They can help us make sense of who we are, what we think and what matters to us in the world. Doing so has been scientifically-proven to boosts our mental well-being and ability to cope during hard times. Rap’s lyricism can also enhance literacy and communication skills. Hence, Rap and Hip Hop culture can connect us with each other and our communities, as well as deepening the connection to our Selves. All of these are essential to being human.
This was the opening to the promo material to generate interest in applications for the Rap School of Life paid online Hip Hop workshop facilitator training course which aimed to engage MCs, Musicians & other artists working in their communities across the UK and Germany, to train up and deliver the Level 1 Introduction to Trauma Informed Hip Hop course. The course was previously developed, but delivery was being piloted across the UK and Germany as part of the Cultural Bridge partnership.
Alongside this, the team delivered several community workshops across Berlin and Birmingham to support the development of the training course.
The course is now available for free online:
Level 1 Introduction to Trauma Informed Hip Hop
This beginner-level course provides foundational knowledge and understanding, setting the stage for further exploration in advanced levels. While it does not qualify you to practice Trauma-informed Hip Hop, it equips you with essential insights and concepts required for more advanced training at Levels 2 and 3. There, you will learn how to apply principles. Here, you will find out what they are.
This course was designed, piloted, and delivered through funding from The Baring Foundation and Cultural Bridge.