Activities of Youth and Children’s Orchestras Project expand in Peru

(Lima, May 26, 2011).- CAF - Latin American development bank - and the Peruvian Children’s and Youth Orchestras System (SOJIP) today signed an agreement to broaden the scope of activities of the CAF Social Action for Music Program in this country, and increase the number of young recipients.

Eleonora Silva Pardo, director representative of the multilateral development bank in Peru, and the distinguished Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez, in his capacity as chairman of SOJIP, signed the agreement.

The CAF executive said the two institutions were joining forces to support implementation of SOJIP, which is based on the program begun 35 years ago by Venezuelan maestro José Antonio Abreu and recognized today as "the Venezuelan miracle." Using educational tools in the music field, the program has integrated over 350,000 children into the system, building their skills and transforming them into agents of their own development.

"With its capacity to enhance the intellectual, physical, emotional, spiritual and expressive aptitudes of the individual, music is recognized as the ideal art for educating, which is why for 11 years CAF has been backing in various countries of the region the integrated training of children and young people, exalting the noblest values ​​of the individual, focusing on deepening family and community ties, and strengthening the social fabric. On this occasion, we welcome Juan Diego Flórez’s effort to stimulate the growth of orchestras in the country, and transform the lives and futures of thousands of Peruvian children and young people," the CAF director representative in Peru said.

After expressing his conviction that music can inspire personal and professional growth, the Peruvian tenor said the proof were the thousands of children who had gone through the Venezuelan Youth and Children Orchestras System, which has contributed to the formation of responsible citizens with full knowledge of their rights and duties.

"With the help of individuals and institutions with deep social commitment, such as CAF, we can transform young Peruvians through music into responsible citizens, committed to the great goal of building a country which lives a culture of progress and social peace," he said.

The Peruvian Children’s and Youth Orchestras System works under the conviction that music is not solely reserved for minorities but is an instrument that produces a powerful motivation for improvement and discipline in every person who comes to it with an open mind.

The CAF Social Action for Music Program (PASM) began in 2000 and has made an effective contribution to social inclusion and cultural development, important objectives of the Latin American financial institution.