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VideoJanuary 17, 2015

Addressing Youth Violence in El Salvador through Culture and Music

San Salvador's "Communidad Iberia" has some of the highest crime and violence rates in El Salvador, with potentially devastating and long-terms consequences for children and adolescents. With the support of the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) an innovative approach to youth violence and social integration has been piloted. The Don Bosco Youth Symphony Orchestra and Choir was established in 2011 to use music and culture to build self-esteem, promote creativity and develop social skills among the young people of the area. Today, over 250 musicians and 300 choristers participate in the Program, drawn from over 60 public schools.