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Background  In 2006 I spent a few weeks with a charity organisation in Huancayo, called Tinkuy Peru, where I was volunteering as part of a team that was helping with the set-up of an education project for children from disadvantaged backgrounds in some of the poorest areas of the city.  Huancayo is about 300 km, or a 7-hour bus ride away from Lima and is situated in the Rio Mantaro valley, in the central highlands of Peru. Although Huancayo is the cultural and commercial centre of the whole central Peruvian Andes, many children live in extreme poverty and difficult family circumstances. Not only is class division a problem in Peru, but governmental aids are also more likely to reach urban areas, which leaves people in some Andean mountain regions with very limited access to education, social, and fincancial support.  Since 2006 a lot has happened. A second, independent charity organisation has been set up by three of Tinkuy Peru’s key workers and new projects have seen the light of day. ‘<a href="http://www.peruluzdeesperanza.com/" target="_blank">Peru Luz de Esperanza</a>’ (PLDE) is based in Chupaca, a small mountain town, about 45 min to the West of Huancayo.  Taking advantage of the founders’ in-depth knowledge of the local culture and challenges, it is PLDE’s vision to provide social support and education for the poorest families in the region. Sustainable education programmes are being run in three schools in the rural areas surrounding Chupaca and, although the projects in the schools are the main focus of the work, a number of other social projects are taking place alongside this central initiative.   The ‘Chupaca Project’  The aim of the first exploration phase in summer 2010 was to visit PLDE and find out how a music or music therapy project could be useful for the charity, and if, or how enthusiastic plans and ideas could be turned into a sustainable program.  The ultimate goal is to set up a programme that builds on existing strengths of the team members and develops their resources, in a way that work can unfold independently, without a music therapist being present at a later stage. The outcomes of the first visit were extremely positive and it was felt that a future collaboration would be of great benefit to the children and families supported by PLDE. By developing practical skills and expanding theoretical knowledge, a music therapy skill-sharing programme could enable the local team members to use music in support of ongoing activities and in new beneficial ways, both in their group activities, and in their outreach work with mothers and children.    Engaging in musical activities can offer a different insight into the children’s and families’ needs, and widening the understanding of how elements such as social interaction, communication, listening, sharing, and turn-taking can be encouraged in musical activities can provide new ways of meeting those needs.  Sharing basic music therapy concepts could lead to existing musical skills and creativity being used in new ways to support the ongoing work.    Future steps  In partnership with '<a href="http://www.musicastherapy.org/" target="_blank">Music as Therapy International</a>' phase 2 of the project has started! The next visit to Chupaca to deliver resource-development training is in planning. On this year's visit I will collaborate with my music therapist colleague <a href="http://www.andrew-darlison.co.uk/" target="_blank">Andrew Darlison</a>, and as a team we are hoping to do some great work with the members of PLDE. However, even with the greatest motivation and enthusiasm in the world, this project can only be delivered with the necessary funds. And this is where your help comes in!   As part of our fundraising efforts, and with the great support of my friends, Fontane Liang, Nelly Gocheva, and Preetha Narayanan, we have completed the Haggis Team Relay Marathon in Edinburgh on 22nd May in 3hrs 52 min !!! Please support the cause and sponsor us!   An update on the progress of the project can be found at <a href="http://www.carineries.com/" target="_blank">www.carineries.com</a> or visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=142957319052370" target="_blank">the chupaca project</a> on facebook.

Running for the Chupaca Music Project

Running for the Chupaca Music Project

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