Our primary goal was to support students with special educational needs using music therapy, a therapeutic method new to each participating school. We also envisioned that the project would deepen musical interests and skills, and through online presentations about the history and distinctive compositions of each country, increase knowledge of the music of the partner countries among students and staff of all partner schools. The project also aimed to develop musical interests and skills. It was also intended to equip the school with musical instruments and teaching aids used in music therapy classes and for the implementation of the project. We also wanted students from our schools to gather during the "Sounds of Our Hearts" song festival, where each school presented its repertoire and produced a short documentary film depicting the implementation of music therapy classes at their school. The festival was intended to showcase the musical skills of students with various disabilities, which would positively impact their image in a healthy society.
While implementing previous projects with partners working in special education and integration, we noticed an increase in the number of students with disabilities, including multiple disabilities, mental health conditions that impact peer communication, and individuals on the autism spectrum. These multifaceted developmental disorders place increasingly higher demands on schools and teachers and force them to continually seek new therapeutic methods that improve the functioning, quality of life, and social relationships of their students. By implementing occasional activities in schools using music, we observed its positive impact on the functioning of all students, regardless of their disabilities. Music improved their mood, coordination, and motor expression, reduced stress and anxiety, which improved their interpersonal relationships. Using the benefits of music therapy, we planned activities that provided a wide range of support for students with special educational needs. In addition to the therapeutic benefits, the students acquired new skills and developed existing ones, expanded their knowledge of the cultures of other countries, gained experience on stage and in public, and met peers from other countries.