United States and Colombia sign agreement to increase music
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Colombian Presidential Agency for Social Action and International Cooperation (Acción Social) and the Batuta Foundation signed today an agreement of intention for $ 343,000 that will allow over 2,000 youth from Colombia’s vulnerable and displaced population to participate in the socialization and music education program.
The agreement of intention was signed by U.S. Secretary of Defense, Robert M. Gates; the Director of International Cooperation from Acción Social, Sandra Alzate; and Norma Poveda, Manager of the Batuta Foundation.
Thanks to U.S. resources, this music education program will reach vulnerable and displaced children that live in regions near the 20 municipalities where the program operates. Furthermore, the program will benefit Afro Colombian children that live on the Pacific Coast, including the municipalities of Guapi and El Tambo, in the Department of Cauca. Once the children are registered in the program, they will receive musical instruments as well as formal training. Additionally, the families of the children will receive psychological and social attention, education on health issues, and training in conflict resolution.
Bogotá D.C., October 3, 2007