Nerio Emiro Semprún Polanco, ¨Tepichi Talatshi¨, which means “happy child” in the Wayuu language, was born from the need to provide Wayuu children with a space where, in addition to learning, they could eat healthy and recreate. Tepichi Talatshi, name of the first preschool and elementary school of the Wayuu Taya Foundation, where the dreams of hundreds of indigenous children materialize, they sing, learn music, weave, play and perform various activities, in classrooms, parks and churuata of the institution.
These institutions have the basic facilities to house 447 children who are in the first cycle of formal education. Classes at this educational center are taught in Spanish and in Wayuunaiki.
Introduction
The ancestral music program is aimed at school-aged children. It is implemented through natural and experiential learning generated by the sociocultural and sociolinguistic environment.
Thematic and practical themes are constructed through the imitation of sounds and storytelling of stories, represented in artistic expressions such as theater, dance, and the performance of traditional instruments.
Theoretical Fundamentals: During the teaching stages, knowledge is imparted on anthropology and history, cosmogony, nature, and onomatopoeias.
Practical Fundamentals: Imitation, narration, and staging of stories are implemented as a pedagogical strategy where myths and ancestral legends are recreated.
General Objective: To contribute to the affirmation and preservation of the culture and identity of the Wayuu people.
Specific Objective: To transmit the wisdom of Wayuu culture to new generations through music, dance, and intangible heritage.
Teaching Approaches: Nature as a producer of sounds: air, wind, rain.
Cosmogony: Creation of the universe, stars, earth.
Onomatopoeia: Animals.
Module I: Explain the history and structure of ancestral instruments
The Türumpa (Trumpet), The Kaasha (Drum), The Taliraai (Guajiro Violin), The Maasi (Flute), The Tootoroyoin (Clarinet), The Sawawa (Clarinet), The Wa'awaai (Globular Flute)
Module II: Identify strengths in students for instrument performance and aptitudes for dance.
Module III: Select and organize the repertoire.
Modules IV: Form groups. Carry out exhibitions. Promote the exchange of experiences. Carry out presentations and evaluate.
This is a general program of ancestral music that is aimed at school-aged children, to learn and preserve the culture and identity of the Wayuu people through music, dance, and traditional instruments. The program will be facilitated by Professor Carlos Amaya, and will cover topics such as anthropology, history, cosmogony, nature, and onomatopoeias, among others. The program will involve the imitation of sounds, storytelling, and performances of myths and legends, as well as the formation of student groups and presentations.
The Intercultural Wayuu Taya Orchestra Program is dedicated to providing opportunities for young people to learn and grow through music. We believe that music can be a powerful tool for education, personal development, and cultural preservation.
Our program is led by the National System of Youth and Children's Orchestras and Choirs of Venezuela, also known as "El Sistema," which was founded by the renowned Maestro José Antonio Abreu.
As a team, we align our work with the core values of "El Sistema," which include social justice, inclusion, and human development. We currently work with 314 kids and have over 100 on the waiting list, demonstrating the high demand for our program and the need for support to expand our reach.
Being a part of a training school for citizens with opportunities and recognition, such as the Guinness World Record in 2021 for the participation of 12,000 musicians playing Tchaikovsky's Slavonic March, is a constant inspiration that motivates us to do more.
Our program also aims to preserve the indigenous music, languages, and culture of the Wayuu people. We can help the Wayuu community fight poverty and preserve their unique cultural heritage through music.
We prioritize human development in our work, recognizing that music education can profoundly impact individuals and communities. We measure the impact of our work and consistently work to improve. We are committed to sustainability in terms of our program, the movement, and our member organizations.
We invite you to join us in our mission to bring hope and opportunity through music. Your support can help us to reach more young people, preserve indigenous culture, and make a real and lasting impact on the Wayuu community. Together, aligned with the core values of El Sistema, we can empower the next generation of leaders, musicians, and cultural ambassadors.