For about 10 years, I have partnered with Neftali Valiente in a music education program in El Salvador. This program includes participating in liturgy, music lessons, and music camps or retreats by both local and visiting musicians and church groups. We have worked with more than 25 young people, none of whom have joined a gang, and most of whom are going to college–including one who is graduating as a medical doctor!
We have decided to expand this program in El Salvador to a couple more locations. There we will provide faith-based music education, grounded in the virtues and the Gospel of Peace. We will intentionally instill a culture of nonviolence and generosity in our children, encouraging them to be kind with others and not to withhold their talents and resources.
We want to help the current immigration crisis by providing opportunities in El Salvador. Our passion is to create programs in El Salvador to empower our people so they do NOT have to leave their country. In the upcoming days, I will share with you about forming young people in El Salvador in the arts, music, and a culture of peace.
Please contact me if you would like to hear about ways you can help us alleviate the immigrant crisis by reaching children through music and the Gospel.
Thank you for your help and goodwill as you help immigrants in the USA. Please continue to do so as God enables you to alleviate suffering here at our borders.
Carlos Colón 