Guatemala
LEAF International partners with Senderos and FUNDIT in El Tejar to run an after-school music and cultural arts program. Eight classes meet twice a week, immersing students in their own cultural traditions while helping them build real, transferable skills. Offerings include Marimba (Guatemala's national instrument), Violin, Guitar, Percussion, Keyboard, Music Theory, Flute, and Mandolin.
Teachers design each class to give students both technical mastery of their instrument and a deep understanding of Guatemalan music history and culture — building a foundation strong enough to support a future in music or cultural work, should students choose to pursue it.
LEAF International funds music teachers' salaries and locally made instruments crafted by Guatemalan artists. We also support cultural exchanges that connect students and teaching artists with LEAF's other international programs, including opportunities to perform at the Festival.
Founded in 2007 | Located in El Tejar | 75+ Youth Served Weekly
Meet The Culture Keepers
Sara Morales (pictured center) has been teaching for LEAF International for 19 years. An avid music lover and an individual proud of her Guatemalan heritage, she finds teaching for LEAF not only a rewarding opportunity but also important work. Joining Sara are former students turned teachers of the program: Ashley, Alexis, Anthony, and Estefany.
Sara, Estefany, Alexis, Ashley, and Anthony
“Because art is to share and it is very important to teach our traditions to our youth so that they value and appreciate our culture. When our students perform music it gives importance to our traditions. The people in our community value the work that we do, and our students are a positive example for other young people in our community who think only foreign music has value. We are preserving our culture by passing it down to new generations. This work is important because there are fewer spaces [for our traditional culture] because of globalization. ”