CONTEXT

The Catatumbo region, which joins Colombia and Venezuela, is infamous for being one of the geographic areas where coca cultivation and trafficking is most prevalent. In such an environment, affected by recurring outbreaks of violence, children and young people are at risk of growing up without any perspective other than drug trafficking.

FRANCISCAN’S PRESENCE

Friars Minor have been present in Colombia for about five hundred years. In Luis Vero, in the heart of Catatumbo, friars from the province of San Pablo Apóstol started the Missionary Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Angels with the goal of offering spiritual assistance to the local community and educating the younger generation, removing them from recruitment by local armed gangs.

THE PROJECT

Led by Brother Eider, the Paz y bien Music School is among the initiatives that have been most popular in the local community and beyond. Initially aimed mostly at children, the music classes soon involved older children as well, to the point of originating a great little orchestra and, above all, a powerful community center.

Strongly supported by parents, who dream of a different future for their children, the Paz y bien School, educates the youngest in music and beauty care, pitting the language of music against the language of guns.

Today Friar Eider is asking us for support to meet the costs associated with courses and small tours, as well as the procurement of musical instruments.