HTCF's Music Programs
The
goal of the Health Through Communications Foundation is to offer
culturally sensitive music programs for minority children to
prepare them for a creative and cooperative future with a high
self-esteem, and a capacity for peace building by drawing upon
their innate creativity and imagination.
We
believe that a child’s natural or even learned cognitive
processes can influence development for the better, both in
the short and long term. We also believe that positive, early
experiences shape a young child’s personality in ways
that remain stable throughout much of their life.
Studies
have shown that a child’s psychological growth and school
performance can be enhanced by a focus on their artistic talent.
Children who participate in music and arts programs are more
likely to do better than those who do not. Troubled students
engaged in arts and music programs have better attendance and
increased cooperation with other students and teachers.
Specific
Objectives of The HTCF Music Programs
Our Programs Are Designed To Reduce:
a. Violent Behavior
b. Criminal Activities
c. School Truancy
d. Gang Activities
e. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
f. Drug and/or Alcohol Abuse
g. Teenage Pregnancy.
Music Programs in Haiti
“When you teach children music, you elevate their souls,
give them something to do after class, as well as give them
the opportunity to make a living in the future.” - Professor
Aubies Franck
The
first time I went to in La Vallee de Jacmel in 1999 I met Professor
Aubies, a quiet gentleman and community leader in his late 70’s
who had a long time dream of teaching music to the children.
For years, he saved a bunch of sheet music from a large cabinet.
“I have been hoping one day to have a school band. But
there is no money to buy instruments or to pay the music teachers.”
When
my friend Charlotte Jackson of San Diego heard about his plea,
she referred me to the Note of Hope Foundation who gave us a
generous grant of $500.00. Five old musical instruments where
purchased all the way in the Dominican Republic. The people
of La Vallee also sacrificed themselves to hire a music teacher
and the children. Sometimes with empty stomachs they struggled
to learn musical notes and play an instrument for the first
time ever. Six months later, in June of 2001, during the inauguration
of the Parc Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat, the first public park purchased
with the donations of caring friends here in the US, there was
a school band ready to play the Haitian national anthem and
entertain the crowd.
The
Clifford and Linda La Chappa as well as the people of the Barona
Band of Kumeyaay Nation who are strong supporters of education
programs for children heard about the story. They donated money
to buy more musical instruments and help defray the cost to
pay part of the salary of two musical teachers.
We
now have a school band in Ridore, La Vallee de Jacmel that takes
parts in all public celebrations.
Ongoing
Music Program Current Locations
Haiti
Muzac
Institution Mixte Lamercie Murat - Bizoton
Morin
Maldor
Tchawa
Jamaica
Windsor Girl’s Home – St Anne Bay
Tryhall Basic School – St. Marie
United
States
EJE Center - El Cajon, CA
The
children are actually learning basic musical notes and using
recorders. The goal is that there are enough musical instruments
available in the near future for everyone.
We
also hope to offer more music classes in the near future.