When music repairs hearts and builds the future

It all started with conviction. At the Mariana de Jesús Educational Unit, in Cayambe, Ecuador, sisters and educators observed that students needed a cultural space to express their emotions, channel their energy, and discover unsuspected talents.  It is in this context that the project "In my children's choir" was born.

Upon receipt of the funds, the first instruments were purchased: a bombo*, a lyre, a Yamaha keyboard, an alto saxophone, an electric drum kit, a bass guitar, an electro-acoustic guitar... And the essential accessories for a good orchestra: cables, microphones, stands, reeds* and drum machines.

For music lessons to young people, a room has been set up and a music teacher has been associated with the adventure. Then, the first students of the orchestra were selected.

A concert calendar, a great wind of joy!

Rehearsals started three times a week. The children, initially shy, gradually gained confidence and became strongly involved.

On February 27, they made their first presentation at the "Talent Festival".
Then, on March 10, during the "Fête de la lecture". 
On May 22, in front of their parents, they beamed.
On 26 May, during the institution’s formal session, they raised their school colours. 

"On June 11, they even had the honor of performing in front of the Provincial Assembly of the Daughters of Charity! They were able to show how the realization of projects can transform lives locally!" Sr. Maria Lucia

And on July 26, the orchestra closed the school year in style! 

The magnificent testimony of 14-year-old Gadiel, written by himself, allows us to understand the impact of the project carried out thanks to donors.

Gadiel started from scratch with an electric bass. He proudly recounts that he is mastering it little by little, thanks to his teacher’s daily practice and patient teaching. 
"I want to express my most sincere gratitude for this invaluable support. For me, this project has been a very important experience. Not only did I learn to play an instrument, but I also put into practice values like responsibility and perseverance. I learned to better organize my time to achieve my artistic goals.”

And he ends with these words, which resonate like a promise:
"Thank you for believing in us, for being the driving force that young people need to write a story different from the one we are living through today. May God repay you.”

A few numbers at the top!

The numbers confirm what the emotions say:
- 200 students developed basic musical skills, 100% of whom maintained perfect attendance at rehearsals 
- Parents, 500 in total, actively supported the presentations 
- And above all, 100% of teachers reported improved relationships between children, higher self-esteem, and stronger discipline.

An uncertain path to follow, but still in music

This magnificent project is not yet self-sufficient. But the sisters already have plans: open up music workshops to the community, forge partnerships with local public institutions, and create self-funded events to acquire new instruments.

Because this orchestra is not just an extracurricular activity. It is a buoy for children who need to believe in themselves. Proof that music can heal invisible wounds, bring families together, and offer a different future to an entire community.

"This orchestra of children does not stop in June. He will continue year after year, with new students, new dreams, and always the same flame. The instruments bought today are the seeds of a forest of artists of tomorrow.
Thanks to you, these children learned their first chord. And they don’t intend to stop there... Thank you for making their voices echo.” Sr. Marìa Lucila

* bombo: a large drum, originally extracted from a hollowed-out tree trunk and equipped with goat skins.
* Reeds: strips of reed, wood, or metal, the vibrations of which produce sound in wind instruments.

Watching the orchestra playing in the school: a very beautiful and joyful moment!