Analysis: Pope Francis' position on Venezuela

Analysis: Pope Francis' position on Venezuela: Vatican City, Feb 16, 2019 CNA.- Pope Francis’ recent letter to Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro confirmed the Holy See’s position on the Venezuelan crisis.  As a diplomatic habit, the Holy See never breaks diplomatic ties. Papal ambassadors are called to stay on the ground as long as it is possible, to support the bishops and to carry on institutional dialogue that can resolve into an aid for population.

Hungry Venezuelans

Hungry Venezuelans turn to church, which doesn't have enough to help all: SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (CNS) -- Even on the days he lines up hours before the store opens in his neighborhood in Caracas, Venezuela, Ernesto Salazar is not assured he'll be able to buy basic food for his family.

The Miracle of Music

Amazing.  What music can do is utterly amazing.  Hundreds of kids in Venezuela are involved in music.  It's keeping them "clean" and giving them positive senses of accomplishment.

It started with a vision of Dr. Jose Antonio Abreu Anselmi.  He saw the cultural lure of modernization on Venezuelan children.  Alarmed, he applied and received a grant to establish a youth orchestra which would morph into "el sistema or la orquestra."  The State Foundatiion for the National System of Youth and Children's Orchestras (FESNOJIV) operates training and music centers throughout Venezuela -- and the idea is spreading throughout Latin America.

The purpose is to involve kids into something they can be proud of.  Just think of what music teaches: reading, discipline, work, hard work, teamwork, cooperation, etc.  It's a "win-win."

h/t http://rbbadger.wordpress.com/2010/09/25/el-sistema/    

And to think that my own town cut its music program.  Music can make the world "go round."  Let's reconsider our educational focus and promote music as a core subject.