In some post conflict areas, the unique culture relevant to some countries is at a risk of becoming lost for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the keepers of local traditions, usually the older generation, have been killed through combat and other times, foreign cultures have been imposed on various populations. Rose Bapier Productions (www.rosebapier.org) and the FPCD are focusing on a cultural programme that will highlight the music of East Timor. Rose Bapier believes in the art of music making a difference and has a mission that is complimentary to the FPCD mission. The project is two-fold. First the goal is to introduce more music into schools in East Timor and secondly, the project will create new music that will infuse East Timor music with Western music, thereby introducing one aspect of the Timorese culture in arenas that are unfamiliar with it. This will create a model that may be introduced in other post conflict countries.
If you are interested in learning more about cultural preservation and the art of music making a difference in post conflict development, please contact FPCD Executive Director Claudia Abate.