Singing Their Way To English in Peru

There is that moment when words on a page become something you can feel. You can feel the emotion and understand the meaning. Everything becomes clear, and you feel as though you've truly learned something. This is what happens when you sing!

This fall, One Voice 4 Change is sharing that moment with the students at Sachachorro School in Iquitos, Peru, through our English through Music program. Running through November 2026, we developed the program with our Sister City partner, Arca Beta. Felicity Muench teaches the class, and the goal is simple: to supplement students' English language learning by having fun singing new songs together.

The songs tell the story. We chose songs with clear pronunciation, gentle pacing, and melodies that are easy to remember. They also form an arc, a journey that mirrors how a learner grows.

Eight Days a Week by the Beatles is bright, cheery, and all about love. Its simple, repeated phrases and everyday words give students a comfortable start in learning English. The steady beat, short lines, and the joy it brings students when they sing it make it memorable.

Count on Me by Bruno Mars moves the message from affection to connection. The song is about friendship and showing up for each other, which a classroom full of learners needs. Singing "You can count on me" reinforces the bond the students have with each other and gives them the words to express the care they have for their friends.

The Cup of Life by Ricky Martin is a song of celebration. Pure energy, spirit, and enthusiasm. The students then dive deeper into the meaning of terms such as "cup of life" and "push it along, gotta be strong."

Hero by Enrique Iglesias is about courage, strength, and finding the best in ourselves. The song talks about trust, vulnerability, and pain. We can be a hero in someone's life, and we all have people who have been heroes for us.

These songs lead the students through the arc of Me - We - Life - Who I Can Be: commitment and affection, friendship and support, shared celebration, and personal courage. The tunes are memorable, the lyrics are easy to remember, and the messages are inspiring.

Creative arts build confidence, encourage creativity, strengthen critical thinking, and connect people around the world. And nothing beats seeing the joy on students' faces when they sing! Every voice matters, and together, we are better.

Thank you to the teachers and students at Sachachorro School for welcoming us with enthusiasm and trust.