Panama, Boquete in the Chiriqui Province, Rep de Panama.
Casa Esperanza Music Program:
In March, LEAF International started a music program at CASA ESPERANZA (translation “House of Hope”) in Boquete, Panama. 200 Indigenous Indian children, ages 4-17, go there daily for lunch, school studies, medical needs, computer assistance, after-school needs, and a safe shelter. The children come from challenged home situations, and thankfully many of their basic needs are met at Casa Esperanza. Yet with all of their support they do not have ANY music programs there due to lack of funding. Many of the youth and staff are eager to begin a music program. They have the organization and vision to implement a program, store the instruments, and positively impact MANY children!!! See pictures from the trip
Reflections from Panama:
After receiving the donated instruments, CASA ESPERANZA Director Elia Morales stated,“I AM NOW DREAMING OF A CASA ESPERANZA ORCHESTRA”.
Panama has a rich tradition of multicultural music – from Bachata to Symphonic; the music reflects Panama’s unique position of the “Crossroads of the World”. The melody in Panamanian folkloric music is most often carried by a violin or accordion. The traditional music is not widely taught to the children who will one day be the ones who must carry forward these traditions. 
