Alcanzando Niños en las Fronteras (Reaching Children Along the U.S./Mexico Border): A Program for Disadvantaged Children
The Alcanzando Niños en las Fronteras project brings together years of biofeedback, art therapy, and somatic education work with underprivileged and disadvantaged children. The program is designed to reach the most at-risk youth in Mexico: those children living in towns along the U.S./Mexico border. These towns are racked with violence due to the drug wars, and the children in these towns are especially susceptible to being led into illegal activities. In cooperation with Sonoma State University, the U.S. State Department, the Government of Mexico, Rotary International, and a number of other organizations, the program will train more than 200 medical doctors in noninstrumental biofeedback methods, including art therapy, music, somatic training, autogenic breathing, temperature control, and reading. By reaching children early and educating families in prevention and health, the program will have a lasting impact on reducing illegal activities and bringing about true social change.
Childrens' Orchestra Study in Lomas Del Paraiso
The initial study in Lomas Del Paraiso showed that the children who participated in the orchestra were considered by their parents and teachers to be more socially adept, better disciplined, and more organized after their participation in the orchestra and that their sense of self appeared to be stronger, as evidenced by increased responsibility, improved behavior, and higher academic performance. Two sets of children's self-drawings from that study are included here.
Contributor Notes