About Us

Can a song bring hope to those devastated by natural or human disaster and inspire dynamic relief efforts as well? Composer/conductor Jim Papoulis’ “We Will Lift You Up”, originally written in response to the Haiti earthquake, can now be heard in over 30 languages and is raising significant relief funds. Through music and muscle, “We Will Lift You Up” is making a difference for children and families in devastated areas across the globe. The music of hope speaks every language and stirs every conscience.

Through Jim’s collaboration with various artists all over the world one song evolved into an international humanitarian effort that involves thousands, from renowned singers to rising stars and schoolchildren. In song, every voice can heal. “We Will Lift You Up” can be sung, listened to, downloaded, heard in concert, and viewed in video; with each purchase more funds go to rebuilding the homes, schools, hospitals and communities of children. It is available in individual languages and in a global version. As Papoulis so aptly states: “Humanity is simply the combination of individuals. One by one is the way to make a change in the world. When there is a global crisis, all differences seem to evaporate magically, and all voices cry out as one. A global song – heard in many languages, sung by many voices – dissolve the boundaries dividing us, compassion resounds, and our efforts to heal are strengthened.”

“We Will Lift You Up” now exists in over 30 languages including Armenian, Arabic, Click, Creole, Czech, Dari, English, Fulani, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Lingala, Mandarin, Pashto, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Tagalog, Tigrinya (Eritrean), Turkish, Tigrinya, and Urdu.) heard in the voices of The Young People’s Chorus, New York, Boston Children’s Choir, Beijing Children’s Choir, Kenya Boys’ Choir, Israeli-Palestinian Children’s Choir, Haifa, American Community School (ACS), Athens Greece, Wellesley College and Dana Hall School, Wellesley, MA, The Fessenden School Latin Boys’ Choir, West Newton, MA, King George International College Education Group, Boston, as well as Walnut Hill School for the Performing Arts, Natick, MA.

“We Will Lift You UP” is spearheaded by The Foundation for Small Voices, a non-profit organization, founded by Papoulis and his wife, and dedicated to using music to cross cultural, generational and ideological boundaries to raise awareness and funds for national and international music programs for children. We believe that music can heal, educate, celebrate and empower the lives of children. Foundation for Small Voices is dedicating 100% of proceeds to humanitarian relief.

Choose a single language or bulk purchase all languages at once. A “global village” version interweaves all languages, alternating indigenous sounds. All versions will be uploaded for preview on our music library, stay tuned.

WWLYU is as an all-volunteer initiative. Translators, singers, technicians, facilitators donated their efforts, talents and resources. Click here to read more about our volunteers.