Programa El Sistema (Venezuela) (Venezuela)
Problems addressed
Externalizing behaviors/problems
Low social–emotional competences
Effectiveness

Effective

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Effective

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Life periods served
Children (4 to 13 years)
Teenagers (14 to 17 years)
Where the program was applied
Community (streets or community centers)
Country of application
Venezuela
Description

The Sistema Nacional de Orquestas y Coros Juveniles e Infantiles de Venezuela (National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras of Venezuela), better known as El Sistema (The System), is based on a curriculum that not only advocates musical training (instrumental and vocal) for children and young people, but also emphasizes the importance of the child’s integral development and social inclusion.) for children and young people, but also emphasizes the importance of the child’s integral development and social inclusion.

Impact evaluations

A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) found that, after one year, the program improved self-control and reduced behavioral problems. The effects were greater among 1) children with less educated mothers and 2) boys, especially those exposed to violence at baseline. In the latter subgroup (male children), lower levels of aggressive behavior were found [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Aleman et al (2016) The Effects of Musical Training on Child Development: a Randomized Trial of El Sistema in Venezuela. Prev Sci. 2017 Oct;18(7):865-878. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27896644/

Information source