At Dorie’s Promise, we love filling our days with color and music! One of the most enjoyable aspects of this year has been integrating the arts into the lives of all the children, from the youngest to the oldest.
Weekly Art and Music Classes
As part of our educational program, every Tuesday from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m., children ages 4 to 18 are divided into groups to attend art classes led by our talented teacher, Sucely Ruiz. A graduate of the School of Art at the University of San Carlos in Guatemala, Sucely, along with her colleague, Sofía, utilizes the home’s classrooms to teach both art and music.
In these classes, the children explore various drawing and painting techniques while also delving into musical rhythms with different types of instruments tailored to their age groups. For instance, younger children experiment with percussion instruments, while some of the older ones are learning to play the ukulele.
Celebrating Creativity: Art Exhibition
This year, we hosted some exciting events that the children thoroughly enjoyed. One standout occasion was the art exhibition at “Casa Mandarina,” an art academy located in Zone 10, Guatemala. Here, our young artists—Merari, Alejandra, Ulises, Marta, Marcos, and Manuel—displayed the artwork they had created in their classes.
They engaged with visitors, answering questions about their pieces, including the materials and techniques they used. It was heartwarming to witness their excitement and nervousness, especially as they dressed formally for the occasion. Each child received a participation certificate, marking a memorable milestone in their artistic journey.
A Melodic Showcase: Music Concert
Another key event was the music concert held at our home. The younger children prepared songs to perform for an audience that included the home’s staff and visiting missionaries. Among the stars of the show were Marcos, Manuel, Ulises, and Alejandra, who played Christian songs on the ukulele, accompanied by the younger kids with percussion instruments.
Nayeli truly shined during the concert, performing three intermediate-level piano pieces she had been practicing. Her talent was on full display as she played a Shakira song while Ana sang along, creating a truly amazing moment for everyone present.
The Impact of Arts on Development
We believe these activities are vital not only for developing leadership skills but also for helping children connect with their artistic and emotional sides. Art serves as a powerful tool for expressing passions and feelings. Who knows? In a few years, we might see some of these children become great artists, like Nayeli on the piano or Marta and Marcos in drawing. However, what truly matters is that the children are discovering themselves through the activities offered at the home.
Some kids excel at sports, others at art, but all of them possess unique talents that deserve encouragement and discipline.
Art: A Path to Joy and Connection
Art is for everyone, and we strive to provide opportunities that bring joy, relaxation, and stress relief to the children while fostering connections among them. It’s especially gratifying to see many kids dedicate their work to God, whether through a drawing or a Christian song. The sky’s the limit!