The collaboration between the Bogota and Lucerne-Seetal RCs is working

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Michael Willi

New sounds in the south of Bogota

For many years, the Fundación Pocalana, an aid organization that works with many volunteers in a poor district of the capital Bogota to keep children away from the influence of the drug cartels, has been supported by the youngest Rotary Club in Colombia, the RC Bogota Santa Barbara. Through the Rotary network, it was possible to initiate a collaboration with the Rotary Club of Lucerne Seetal, which culminated in the presentation of two valuable violins from Switzerland to the new director of the music school in a beautiful ceremony on February 22, 2025.

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Andrew Zaplatinsky, a retired professional musician from the USA who lives in Bogota, made the violins resound and touched the hearts of those present, who had never heard anything like it before. 

Great joy at the handover of the violins initiated by the Red. Michael Willi and Laura Patricia Mantilla Gaviria

The new music school is an exciting project

It aims to give children and young people from disadvantaged communities access to musical education. Here are some highlights of the music school:

  1. Musical education: The school offers lessons in various instruments such as guitar, piano and drums. Children and young people can develop their musical skills and discover their talents.
  2. Cultural promotion: The music school aims to promote cultural values and traditions. The students not only learn modern music, but also traditional Colombian music styles.
  3. Community and integration: The music school serves as a place of encounter and exchange. It promotes social integration and strengthens the sense of community among the participants.
  4. Performances and events: Students have the opportunity to showcase their skills at various events and concerts. This boosts their self-confidence and gives them a platform to showcase their talents.

The music school is an important part of Fundación Pocalana's efforts to positively influence the lives of children and young people in Ciudad Bolívar and open up new perspectives for them. The two Rotary Clubs of Bogata Santa Barbara and Lucerne-Seetal will continue to support this development with great pleasure.