July 2009 - STIMMA has launched its community children’s harp program in the historic town of Suchitoto, El Salvador on the shores of Lago de Suchitilan.
This beautiful, ancient, colonial town with its cobbled streets and its landmark, The Santa Lucia Church, dates back to 1528.
The town of Suchitoto is emerging from the war years as one of the most artistic, historic and emerging tourist places in El Salvador.
The harp program currently consists of, 10 children (ages 9-13), a local teacher Orlando Menjivar and takes place in the beautiful Centro Artes para la Paz under the directorship of Hna. Peggy O’Neill. The Centro is located on the grounds of the Santa Imelda School and Convent. From 1917-1980, the Dominican Sisters worked here but had to abandon the school because of the civil war violence. To quote Hna. Peggy O’Neill “Suchitoto was one of the most scarred war zones during the cruel civil war. So, we are dealing with trauma from those years, as well as from poverty, lack of options, disintegration of family because of emigration ,etc. That is really why this place, Centro Arte para la Paz is my latest passion. It is a healing place. A quiet place where the arts can be the vehicle to heal and build a culture of peace.”
STIMMA member and harpist, Wendy O’Connor will oversee the program and visit the project every 3 months.
The goal of this community project, sponsored by STIMMA, is to develop a children’s harp ensemble/orchestra program that promotes self-esteem, team and leadership skills, while incorporating music as a way of continuing development in the process of peace.
Dear Veneta,
I am writing to share a little of the joy we all experienced here in Centro Arte para la Paz with the second visit of Wendy O’Connor. The children were thrilled because she was so pleased with their performance, their enthusiasm and their desire. It is clear that Wendy’s loving and generous way with the young ones helps them to keep trying and want to persevere.
You in Canada just celebrated your day of Thanksgiving but know that we are the ones this week to be giving THANKS for this project and all of those who have made it possible. We hope to have a little presentation at the end of November for family and friends and we will keep you posted with photos and “evaluations”.
Again we feel honored to have been chosen to be the place for the Harp program. Know that we will do all we can to be supportive of Wendy as she is so dedicated and special. Volunteers don’t usually give 110%!!! How lucky we are!!
Peace,
peggy
