By Lauren Gauthier | Dreams Can Be Foundation Intern
2007 has been a rewarding year for the Music for Canoa program. They have begun expanding the breadth of their project and building a new music classroom so that more children can benefit from the program. By increasing program participant capacity, Music for Canoa has enabled the marginalized communities of Northeastern Brazil to participate in strengthening the musical culture in the area.
Of the various courses given, there are 10 youths participating in chorus, 15 attending percussion lessons and 25 in the Orchestra. Each program has conducted many performances for the surrounding communities, letting culture and Canoa’s rich musical heritage expand the minds of those who listen. Under the guidance of Nina McKleroy, a native of Canoa Quebrada, Brazil; the program has gotten the opportunity to offer more courses and participate in cultural events. Since relocating to San Francisco, California, Nina has created more partners and supporters in communities in California and in Brazil, promoting international awareness of the program.
The youth who attend Music for Canoa’s after school program range from 8 to 19 years of age. The participants come from the surrounding low income neighborhoods and the program gives youth an enriching form of entertainment and leads to greater self-esteem and self-knowledge which can be important components for a child’s development in a community with high indices of involvement in the drug trade and child prostitution that plaque this impoverished community.
The construction for the new space begins in September and with the help of various supporters such as the donors from Global Giving; Music for Canoa will be able to complete their music school and allow more participants. With more students attending the classes and the increasing popularity of their programs Music for Canoa aims to continue their success and create programs that will empower the lives of those who participate and at the same time provide some much needed entertainment for the surrounding communities.
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