Luthier by soul and profession

A school in Caricuao, Caracas, teaches young people with different motor skills handicaps to build string instruments 

October 10, 2014

It is not easy to make a violin with one hand or sitting down, but in the Caricuao Lutherie Workshop, a populous parish in Caracas, professor Eddy Acosta has adapted to the needs of all the youngsters that go there. He comments, "Each one comes with a different problem, and you have to see how they make instruments despite their problems. It has not been difficult to adapt between all of us". 

Those who attend the workshop do so after an experience which has reduced their motor skills, and have gone from a stable employment to instability. "Many of those who come here felt displaced, without employment opportunities, betrayed, because they were offered something and then they did not get anything. After being here, they have changed their attitude toward society". 

With respect to their mobility, it has also improved, as there is a greater integration of the affected part. In addition to working their emotional aspects, there has also been a benefit to their physical aspects.  This is how Rafael Areasa, one of the participants of the project, has lived through the experience. He suffered an accident that left him on a wheelchair. "I lost everything, mi wife, mi job, my home. With this opportunity I have learned something new and I have liked it very much". Professor Acosta states that it is precisely on this novelty, seeing how students transform the wood and repair the instruments, where the integrating power of the Lutherie workshop lies.  

"In the end, when you see that an instrument that you made is playing in an orchestra, it is wonderful, it provides satisfaction". 

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