Notes for Peace Foundation started in March 2007, becoming an accredited, egistered non-profit foundation on 28 March 2008.
At present it has an orchestral program comprising 170 children from ages 7 to 18 years old and an early childhood program with 52 children from ages 2-6, in its headquarters; and two string orchestra programs comprising another 104 children of 2 other neighborhoods, without any regard to their gender or ethnic origin, all in the city of Cali. Within all its program, Notes for Peace benefits 326 children and youths.
The Foundation’s statutory purpose is to enhance living conditions for those Colombians most exposed to the effects of poverty and violence, whilst promoting cultural activities and musical awareness.
The Notes for Peace project is structured to transcend musical education and training. By grouping together children who are exposed daily to harsh realities, the collective practice of music becomes a strategy that helps engender social cohesion amongst them.
Artistic education has proven successful at instilling discipline and creating team spirit and work ethic, as well as respect for oneself and for others.
For these children, who seldom experience life’s gentler side, Notes for Peace provides the space to nurture their talent to create beauty, to smile and to dream about a better future.