About SoFaMa

SoFaMa stands for School Of Fine Arts & Musical Arts.  

The idea grew out from the program at Casa Bernabé an orphanage in Guatemala where Vivian Douglas has been working for the past 20 years. In developing and working with a band program, a folk band program, and a performing arts group she gained experience in working with traumatized kids and the arts.  These programs have helped in the formation of what the vision is for SoFaMa.  Her heart is to disciple the kids so that they can have strong roots of faith to stand up against social, cultural, and peer norms and take a stand for righteousness and justice. But most of all to have a passion for Jesus that will guide their steps and influence all their decisions.

Using music as a vehicle to share the gospel and teach discipleship, SoFaMa will reach not just one orphanage but use the resources we have to minister to a wider circle.  The original target group is the orphanages and kids programs around Guatemala city but we are open to expand to wherever God leads us or to have multiple programs in various areas concentrated with orphanages.  Kids at risk and missionary kids who along with orphanage kids have limited resources and would not be able to attend any of the municipal music programs that already exist.  However SoFaMa is not just music; but music with a strong Biblical basis for discipleship training as the main focus.

The logistical plan is to have satellite locations where no orphanage would need to drive their kids more than 30 mins to get to the site 3 to 4 times per week to receive their classes; and once a week all the satellite groups would meet together for a big group activity which would include some team building activities, discipleship training activities, larger group ensemble rehearsal, sectionals, bible study, worship time, special seminars, testimonies, theory class, musical experiences, etc.  The goal for that all inclusive time is to do team building so that the kids get the sense that they are part of something bigger, and also to give them a circle of friends outside their usual circle of influence.  Team building and relationship building especially with the staff will help to give a basis for good discipline when working with a population of traumatized kids.

The teachers and adults working with SoFaMa are all screened and proven trustworthy as teachers and as Christians; with the recommendation of their pastor or spiritual advisor.  Many of our staff are graduates from the Alfredo Colom Instituto de Música in Zona 7 which is part of the Baptist seminary ministry.  Other staff will be from the USA who come to serve in Guatemala as long or short term missionaries.

One of the possible plans is that the missionary music teachers would  live on the satellite orphanage campus, with possible availability to help out in other areas in the mornings or alternate times from when they are not occupied with SoFaMa classes and preparation.  This would give SoFaMa an onsite presence that would help build relationship with the kids as well as coordinate with schedule changes so that communication lines are clear. It would also give the missionary a sense of "family" and more relationship building opportunities than just teaching.

Vivian Douglas

viviandouglas4@gmail.com

Director of Music Casa Bernabé 

Director of Music Camp Guatemala

www.musiccampgt.org

216-769-5664 (USA)

011(502)5602-4180 (Guatemala)