TAMBORCITOS: Children's Music
EN ESPANOL Each Monday,from 10-11a.m. at Parque NINOS UNIDOS (23
& Folsom St. in San Francisco's Mission District) Fundación
Caminante Sponsors a group of mothers and childcare workers who organized to create a chance for children (0-5)
to learn & strengthen their use of the Spanish Language, playing and singing. TAMBORCITOS
was organzied in 2004 by parents in the Mission District community, who wanted to strengthen the Spanish language and parent/child
play time. They successfully applied for a "First Five" grant, which payed for the first few years in existence.
Since then the group rotates leadership every year involving parents and childcare workers in the sustainability of the program.
Today the program has no grants and is operating by donations alone. We are looking for people interested in supporting the
funding of this great program that has had many more positive effects in the area, than ever imagined. (more on the structure
and program further ahead)
The class is geared for one to one play, and usually attended by parents/grandparents
and their children or childcare workers and the child for whom they care. "It
is a throroughly enjoyable time, says Flora Colao, who has brought both of her grandchildren during their first three
years.
Francisco Herrera, co-founder of Fundación Caminante,
has been the regular cultural worker educating the children, performing music for children from his CD "CANTA Y JUEGA," "Francisco y Los Niños" and
other traditional children's songs and games in Spanish. There are, however other musicians playing and singing with the
children and adults. Local artists (cultural workers) like Maria Fernanda, Lorena dela Rosa, MamCoatl and others have shared
their talents with the children.
The Parents, who self-organize the program voluntarily take on
responsibilities in a very informal commitment, but are very disciplined about their participation. The leadership shifts,
as children move into regular pre-school education. However, many people in regular day care centers and schools have bought
the Cd's, particularly, "CANTA Y JUEGA" which allows the children play and music time at home or school
with the music and movement with which they have become accustomed. Donations are gladly accepted and one of the
parents usually sends a thank you letter, assuring their proof of the tax deductible donation.
