This past Friday we organized an activity to help develop the musical skills of the children participating in the Creciendo con Nuestros Hijos (Growing with Our Children) program, of the Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion, who work at the facilities of Movimiento Mi Cometa. This initiative was suggested and organized by Musiker ohne Grenzen Guayaquil e.V. volunteer, Laura Grabietz.
After a short introductory talk by the coordinator Ana Andrade, and the delivery of a small pamphlet with information on the importance of a musical education for young children, we invited parents to assist their children in making their own musical instruments with recycled materials and resources that they can easily find in their homes or neighborhoods. Laura and Edwin each took charge of a group, guiding the construction of the different instruments.
Artistic expression should be part of early childhood. Music is a wonderful creative outlet, provides a safe place for children to express and learn about their emotions, and helps children develop a sense and appreciation of aesthetics.
We ended the day with a rhythmic activity to promote physiological and motor development, as well as musical memory, through sound stimuli. Laura, alongside Edwin and Lena, performed the song “I like the flowers”, which the children and parents accompanied with their new instruments.
Music is a big part of our lives and can also be a way to help boys and girls from families in the community to find motivation and enjoy the arts, from an early age. We appreciate the willingness of the CNH educators, Brenda Estupiñan and Gabriela Barba, to carry out this beautiful activity.