Music helping save the lives of Wayuu children

At the Wayuu Taya Foundation, music remains a bridge of hope, expression, and community for Wayuu children in Mara, Zulia. Through our programs, young people discover their voices, talents, and the joy of creating something beautiful together.

Classical Guitar Concert

Our young musicians keep shining!

Four talented members of the Núcleo Fundación Wayuu Taya, took part in a classical guitar concert organized on June 26 by the National System of Youth and Children's Orchestras and Choirs of Venezuela in Zulia state.

The event took place at PDVSA La Estancia, where they joined other young artists from the region to showcase their skills. “We hope this is the first of many concerts!” said a smiling Madeleine.

This milestone highlights the transformative power of music and the joy of sharing it with others.

National Viola Festival

It’s an honor for us to share the talent and dedication of the children from the Núcleo Fundación Wayuu Taya, who shone at the National Viola Festival held on June 28 at the Zulia Public Library in Maracaibo.

The festival, dedicated to the beloved Maestro Frank Di Polo, featured the participation of 10 students from the Núcleo Fundación Wayuu Taya.

Our students moved the audience with beautiful performances from the Suzuki and Reading repertoire, filling the room with emotion and pride.

Season Finale Concert

We are so proud to join El Sistema in celebrating the extraordinary progress of the children at the Núcleo Fundación Wayuu Taya.

On July 21, these young musicians filled the stage with energy and joy during the Season Finale Concert. From orchestral and choral pieces to Alma Llanera and ancestral music, the repertoire was vibrant and full of life, moving the audience with every note.

This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our teachers, volunteers, and families,  and above all, the perseverance of more than 200 children and young people who are building a brighter future through music.

Cello and Violin Festival

On July 25, the Inter-Núcleos Strings Festival 2025 “Bows Without Borders” (Arcos sin Fronteras) took place at the Villa Carmen Cultural Center in Maracaibo, Zulia.

The event brought together young musicians from the Núcleo Fundación Wayuu Taya and the Núcleo Mara for a joyful celebration of music and learning.

Twenty five children from the Núcleo Fundación Wayuu Taya proudly performed, sharing their talent and progress with families and teachers.

The festival’s main goal was to showcase the academic progress and dedication of violin, viola, and cello students from both núcleos.

Events like this promote musical and academic growth, inspire students to keep improving, and help them broaden their horizons and set new goals for the future.

The festival also strengthened the collaboration between both núcleos, showing how music connects communities. 

Music Heals Program

On August 7, we held the End-of-Cycle Showcase at the Núcleo Fundación Wayuu Taya, where 31 students presented their musical progress.

The event featured performances on guitar, Venezuelan cuatro, electric bass, keyboard, trumpet, drums, and vocals, filling the space with rhythm and enthusiasm.

After the showcase, students enjoyed a one-month break while we opened auditions for new participants.

During this time, we also hosted a special vacation program, offering fun and educational musical activities that kept children engaged and creative during their holiday break.

In August, 30 new students were selected, and classes resumed immediately.

With all staff back from vacation, the program now includes around 60 active students, continuing to grow and inspire.

New School Year Begins

We are pleased to announce, in collaboration with El Sistema, the commencement of the new school year at the Núcleo Fundación Wayuu Taya, situated at the Tepichi Talatshi School.

On September 15, classes officially began. Students have resumed their activities with energy and commitment, eager to keep learning alongside the teachers of El Sistema.

We look forward to a year filled with learning, creativity, and progress, as our children continue to grow through the power of music.

Gratitude

We thank the dedicated teachers at the Núcleo Fundación Wayuu Taya for their love, passion, and commitment to our students’ growth, and our amazing volunteers, whose generosity and dedication make every success possible.

We also thank El Sistema, Music Heals International, the Giustra International Foundation, CORE Response, Acceso, and everyone who supports this work.

Because of your generosity, Wayuu children have a space to learn, dream, and shine through music. Gracias!

At the Wayuu Taya Foundation, music is a powerful tool for connection, expression, and healing. It brings people together, helps children find their voice, and creates joy in places where it's most needed. Our music program continues in Mara, Zulia, giving Wayuu children the chance to learn, grow, and be part of something meaningful.

Wayuu Taya Nucleus and El Sistema’s 50th Anniversary

As part of the 50th anniversary of El Sistema, a group of nine children from the Wayuu Taya Nucleus participated in a choral concert featuring music by Mahler, joining voices with other regional choirs.

A total of 234 children from our nucleus also attended the Encuentro de Núcleos por los 50 Años del Sistema de Música, held at the Teatro Municipal Castor Emilio Almarza in El Moján, Mara Municipality. It was a joyful gathering of young musicians from many communities.

In another special performance, students from the Early Music, Choral, Alma Llanera, and Orchestral programs of both the Wayuu Taya and Mara nucleus shared the stage to present a powerful concert. They performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (Ode to Joy), the beloved song "Venezuela" by Pablo Herrero and José Luis Armenteros, and "Merengue del Primero" by Carlos Medrano. The audience responded with a standing ovation, celebrating the talent and dedication of these young musicians.

These musical moments celebrated achievement and honored the legacy of Maestro José Antonio Abreu, reminding us of the transformative power of music.

Our First Flute Recital

For the first time, we held a transverse flute recital at the Villa Carmen Cultural Center in Maracaibo. Three young musicians — Yohander Manares, Jhostin Bermúdez, and Daviangely Molero — performed in front of an audience and received certificates for their effort and talent. It was a big step for them and for the program.

Music Heals Program

Music Heals continued to bring music classes to 40 children at Tepichi Talatshi School and Apuna Farm. They are learning acoustic and electric guitar, Venezuelan cuatro, drums, trumpet, and singing.

This program offers more than lessons, it gives children a space to feel confident, to enjoy learning, and to be part of a supportive group.

We thank our teachers Yanina Albornoz and Rafael Patete for their love and dedication. We also thank El Sistema, Music Heals International, the Giustra International Foundation, CORE Response, Acceso, and everyone who supports this work.

Because of your support, Wayuu children have a space to learn, dream, and grow through music.