CANALON SCHOOL FOUNDATION
Musical training and living memory for the children of the Colombian Pacific.
For the past 13 years, Nidia Góngora has led the Canalón School Foundation, a music education project for children in school and community settings in rural and urban areas of Cauca and Valle del Cauca. The foundation focuses on marimba music instruction, strengthening the region's cultural identity through direct teaching to new generations.
The foundation has a presence in Cali and Timbiquí, training marimba players from childhood. It serves as a bridge between the city and the surrounding countryside: while in Timbiquí, direct instruction from the source is preserved, in Cali, a space is created for new generations who have migrated to remain connected to their musical roots.
Through community kitchens and markets, the foundation also develops social projects in different neighborhoods in eastern Cali. The children benefit the most: in addition to preparing meals, they participate in singing and dancing activities, and receive gifts during the Christmas holidays. This work recognizes that musical education goes hand in hand with community care.