El Sistema: Abreu method to prevent the youth disadvantage

Background The El Sistema project aims to conceive and therefore develop a youth animation activity linked to musical education through the Abreu method with particular reference to young people in situations of economic, social and / or cultural disadvantage, with a very operational and within an international partnership involving three associations from three different European countries: Italy, Spain and Portugal. Objectives The objectives of the project are those of - Offer quality training for youth workers (young music teachers, young educators, young animators and group leaders) - Support the development of YW skills and best youth animation practices in the development and sharing of effective methods for reaching and involving marginalized young people - Promote the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities, in particular those at risk of marginalization and deviance - Open Youth Education to intersectoral cooperation by allowing greater synergies in all areas of action that address youth problems - Facilitate the transition of young people from youth to adulthood by supporting their soft skills. Implementation During the first year, was designed and created a Guide and a training course for 15 young musicians and youth workers (YW) on the use of the 'Abreu method', also called El Sistema ("The System"). During the second year, the 15 youth workers carried out a musical education and youth animation program for 72 young people between 13 and 18 years of age, who are at risk of marginalization or juvenile deviance; the program used the Abreu method for the composition of a youth orchestra; youth animation sessions were proposed for the development of soft skills, such as communication skills, teamwork, problem solving, creativity and autonomy. The beneficiaries of the project, i.e. the 15 youth workers and the 72 young people, were also involved in mobility actions in the three partner countries to put into practice what they learned during the music course at local level and to share experiences with their peers from other countries; at the end of each training event there was a concert by the youth orchestras. At the end of the project, three multiplying events were organized to amplify the scope of the project and to enhance the results achieved so that the work of the project can be continued at different levels of education and in other geographical contexts. Achievements The impact of the project concerned above all the value of contrasting youth distress and prevention of possible juvenile deviance, thanks to the great social value recognized by the Abreu method worldwide. In fact, music learned through the Abreu method represents for the young person an unsurpassed instrument of social development, prevents discomfort and deviance, supports the development of the individual; as Abreu said: "It's not just a matter of music. Here solidarity, harmony, order, beauty, respect are taught. And above all humility".