Late last month, Mary was pleased to host a round-table discussion about El Sistema in the ACT.
El Sistema, a music-based program, was established in Venezuela in 1975 and has now spread throughout the world with programs operating in England, Scotland, the United States of America and twenty other nations as of 2008.
After a visit to Big Noise, the El Sistema program in Raploch, Scotland, Mary invited a number of key stakeholders to discuss the feasibility of an El Sistema program in the ACT and how the program could be established in the future.
The program has been particularly helpful for children experiencing disadvantage; however, it works with any child or young person who wishes to participate.
Children from early childhood join the program and they can continue through all of their formal education. No child is denied the opportunity of learning to play their instrument of choice.
“I think it is important to explore the potential of an El Sistema-style program in Canberra, given the outstanding benefits the program has delivered in other countries,” Mary said. “However, I also recognise that it is important that any additional program does not conflict with other programs which are already in place.
“I am really grateful to all those who took the time to attend the meeting, numerous positive suggestions to progress the idea were made and I will continue to meet with those wishing to pursue the establishment of an El Sistema program in the ACT,” Mary concluded.
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