By Jenny Gonzalez
Director of Communications, National Batuta Foundation
The unique transformative power of music can touch hearts, open minds and build bridges to future possibilities. This can be clearly seen in the partnership between the Batuta National Foundation and La nueva Amerisur in Puerto Asis, where through its achievements the Aranzales Villegas Symphonic Music Center marked a before and after moment in its history.
The continued strengthening of the Batuta Youth Symphony Orchestra of Puerto Asis saw it receive wind and percussion instruments in 2024 to complete an extraordinary ensemble that while allowing students and teachers to fulfill their dreams promotes technical and artistic growth and reflects how a commitment to music is a tool for social transformation.
Reaching new communities
Including the Santa Isabel Rural Educational Institution in the village of Ancura in the program has been an important achievement of partnership between Batuta and La nueva Amerisur. It took music to 56 children who could not easily access artistic training programs, enabling them to develop technical skills, discover new ways to express themselves and connect with the world around them. For them, music became a gateway to new opportunities.
Heimar Rosero joining the Music Center as a teacher expands its capabilities and offers more complete and enriching musical training. With the dedication of Heimar and the rest of the teaching team, the students have been able to improve their technique and increase their confidence, as demonstrated by their active participation in local and international musical events.
Achievements and awards in 2024
As well as musical and teaching growth, 2024 was a year of opportunities for the Aranzales Villegas Symphonic Music Center. In July, the partnership between Batuta and La nueva Amerisur enabled 11 young musicians and conductor Heidy Campo to travel to Panama to join Panama’s National Network of Youth Orchestras and Choirs and the Free Symphony Orchestra of Quibdo in a cultural exchange. This never to be forgotten experience allowed the students to share their talent, learn from their Panamanian peers, and discover the cultural heritage of a neighboring country.
Furthermore, in August the Musical Center received a special award from the Municipal Council of Puerto Asis recognizing the effort, perseverance and achievements achieved over the years. “This clearly validates the work of the center and motivates participants and trainers to continue building an opportunity-rich future,” Heidy Campo said.
Personal Development
The impact of the partnership goes beyond music. Music Center students have participated in activities that complement their artistic training, helping them to develop essential skills for their personal growth.
One such example was “Chefcitos,” when with National Learning Service SENA students learned how to prepare cookies and visited a heart of palm processing plant, where they saw the packaging, distribution and export processes. These experiences allowed the students to see wider horizons, showing them that knowledge and curiosity can take them much further than they imagined.
Workshops for parents and students have also been key, strengthening family ties and developing both being and doing.
Looking to the future with enthusiasm
This year the Aranzales Villegas Symphonic Music Center is preparing for its second musical showcase, which promises to reflect the growth, passion and commitment of students and teachers alike. The Center also continues to actively participate in different cultural events in Puerto Asis, increasing its presence and its community impact.
The partnership between Batuta and La nueva Amerisur is a proven engine for the artistic, social and personal development of children and young people in Puerto Asis. With the ongoing support of teachers, families, and the community in general, this process continues to open doors and create opportunities that, through music, transform lives.
Voices of Our Partners is a feature that shares stories, reflections, and inspiring ideas from our partners who work with us to contribute to the development of the regions in which we operate. In this edition, our guest from the National Batuta Foundation shares a view on the progress of our partnership and how music, with its immense transformative power, builds bridges to future possibilities for new generations.
