Help Brighten the Lives of Children in Poverty

For almost two decades SiNEM (National System of Musical Education) has been providing access to the joys and benefits of music. Through this effort SiNEM has touched the lives of children at social risk and children whose families are struggling financially. No one knows that better than Ivania Rodriguez Castro.

Ivania is a homemaker whose husband is an agricultural mechanic and their family income is limited, particularly for things that might be considered “extras.” When her son Alejandro was 4, Ivania thought it would be good if he could learn to play an instrument and they were blessed to discover SINEM. Little did she know all the many benefits that would accrue to all of her children.  As Ivania explains, ”It is like having a second family, reinforcing values and seeing life in a different way. Now we understand that music makes us better people, opens our minds to a wonderful world, and connects us with our souls.”

All of Ivania’s three children have attended SiNEM programs since they were small. Alejandro, now 14, has played violin since he started; and last year he was the principal first violinist in the National Youth Orchestra. Fabiola, age 10, plays violin and wants to be a music teacher; and Elizabeth, age 7, plays cello and loves music.  According to Ivania, “The story is not just about learning notes or mastering an instrument. Their music experience has changed them. They have gained confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging. They have learned that their voices matter – whether expressed through a violin, a wind instrument, or the quiet determination to keep going. The tuition scholarships we have received have been a helping hand to support my three children on so many levels, and as their mother, I will always be grateful.”

Though SiNEM’s program is supported by the government, it is never enough to address all of the organization’s program needs or the individual needs of their students. Financial assistance for scholarships that pay for student tuition like Ivania’s children have received, or for transportation costs for students from outlying areas, for instrument acquisition and repair, or support for students’ ability to attend practice sessions or competitions away from San Ramon are just some of the many ways that CAA members and friends are helping SiNEM continue to make a difference in the lives of children and their families in our greater San Ramon community.

We all so appreciate and thank you for your generous and continued support.

The Hogarcito, the orphanage in San Ramón, is home to 14-16 children, ages 3 months – 12 years, who have been orphaned or are unable to be cared for by their families for a variety of reasons. Even though the largest portion of Hogarcito’s budget is provided by the government, it does not cover all of Hogarcito’s budget needs and fundraising is an ongoing activity of the Hogarcito staff and supporters. In response, CAA members and friends have generously donated their gently used clothing, household goods, toys, craft supplies, sports equipment, and many other miscellaneous items to be turned into cash to support the children’s needs. 

The other challenge with Hogarcito’s budget is that while they may amass the funds required to cover their annual expenses to run the organization and meet the children’s needs, there is often not a lot of, if any, money left over for things that might be considered “extras,” the kinds of special activities, celebrations, holiday traditions that might be part of a child’s life in a traditional family. While the Director and the staff at the Hogarcito do an amazing job of focusing on children’s individual needs to provide a safe, warm, and nurturing environment for each child, it can often be these little “extras” that can help create a sense of normalcy, connection, and positive childhood memories for the children.

To that end, for the past several years, CAA’s Birthday Buddies program has honored each child at the Hogarcito with a special birthday celebration. On their birthday each child receives a special gift, chosen just for them and a traditional birthday party with cake, ice cream, special treats for them and all of the other children at the facility who attend the party as well. Special acknowledgements like these help to reinforce to each child that they are unique, special, and important to those around them.

In addition, CAA has provided the funds and the means for special activities and celebrations to help create a sense of fun and belonging for the children. A trip to the movies with a stop for ice cream afterward is a special treat for the children at the Hogarcito. Likewise, during a school vacation, an outing for a day of swimming at a nearby recreational area with an outdoor lunch was a fun and happy experience for all those, staff included, who went. And being able to enjoy a Christmas tamale given as a gift to you from those who care about you allowed the children to participate in the much-loved Costa Rican cultural tradition that signifies family, celebration, and community.

In reality, CAA may not be able to significantly impact the challenging family circumstances that many of the Hogarito’s children face. It is our hope and wish, however, that through our financial support and program participation activities, we can help to brighten the lives of these children and create some positive and happy memories to nurture their spirit as they grow.

We sincerely appreciate all of CAA’s members and friends who have and are continuing to contribute their time, their talents, and their funds to help us do this work. Muchas gracias!