La Paz, Bolivia

February, 2017

With open arms, we partnered with Up Close Bolivia to volunteer and build a music garden at Valley of the Moon Children's Center in Mallasa, La Paz, Bolivia. This community ran nursery hosts 60 children, ages 1-4, many of whom come from single parent homes living in poverty. The "Tia's," the women caring for the children during school hours. They bring hope in enabling parents - especially other women - to take up employment opportunities outside of the home. With their help, we ran arts related activities, such as learning "Valle de la Luna," an original song that Lucy made from the sounds of the instruments in the garden, and recording it together. With the donations, it was our mission to continue expanding on what other volunteers and educators have created. Our funds were distributed into enhancing creative education for the children by constructing a music garden in their playground. In addition, art supplies, educational games and other necessities needed to keep the school running were donated with the left over donations.

"With her music, Lucy brought joy and hope into the lives of the children at the Valley of the Moon Children's Center. Her musical legacy will live on and be fondly remembered each time we sing together the song Lucy composed, especially for the children when they run out to play on the magical musical garden she created in the nursery grounds. Her time with us has been truly transformational, magical and we want to thank her and also all Lucy's friends and family who have made this possible through their support and donations."

-Emma Donlan, founder of Up Close Bolivia