SEATTLE — The El Sistema Method for fighting poverty with music has been used since 1975. Originally founded as a free educational program for children and teens at risk of poverty in Venezuela, the method is flourishing into a tool used across the world to help those in poverty integrate into their communities through music.
Children’s International, an organization that focuses on creating a safe and educational environment for impoverished children, has created the Music for Development program based on El Sistema. The organization joined efforts with The Sally and Dick Roberts Coyote Foundation in California to fund these music programs in both the Dominican Republic and Colombia.
Behind the facade of tourism is a great deal of poverty in the Dominican Republic. It is estimated that around one million children in the Dominican Republic are living in poverty and around 578,000 children under the age of 15 are without parental supervision.
In Colombia, conditions are similar. Although poverty has been on the decline, many children lack the resources or skills to break out of their bad situations. Nearly 500 street gangs exist in Colombia’s big cities, including Barranquilla where children are targeted recruits.
The Music for Development curriculum in both countries is rigorous and urges children to take on leadership roles while fully developing their musical skills. Programs that follow the method are guided by the 10 guidelines of El Sistema but often take their own form.
In the Dominican Republic, Children’s International has focused on communities in Santiago de los Caballeros. The children in these areas are extremely limited in both money and educational resources.
The children of Barranquilla, Colombia face similar challenges at home, but also endure violence both at home and in their communities. As participants in the “Blizzard Orchestra,” children are given the opportunity to express themselves creatively and avoid violence and illegal activities.
What sets the Music for Development program apart from other El Sistema groups is a desire to turn children into active participants in society. The belief is that through music, children can become confident and begin to take on leadership roles in the community and champion social change.
Students of the program take an introduction to music course, a music appreciation course and lessons on how to read sheet music. While practicing, they are encouraged to help one another build confidence and a willingness to help others.
Wilfer, a 15-year-old from Colombia, told Children’s International, “It is not only a music class but a moment full of surprises, reflections and games that teach us how to be better people and teach us that results in life will depend on the way we act.”
The Music for Development programs of the Dominican Republic and Colombia are expanding in 2017. The programs are becoming larger and beginning to include chorus groups.
– Madeline Boeding
Photo: Flickr