How African drumming is helping young petty offenders in Long Beach

Like other diversion programs, Yayah's African drumming class aims to redirect young people who have run into trouble. Programs such as these provide an opportunity for first time offenders with minor offenses—such as petty theft, fighting at school, or being in possession of drugs or alcohol—to accumulate community service hours and avoid detention or other penalties in the juvenile court system. "It’s not about being punitive. It’s about the learning process. It’s about keeping you on the right track. To remind you that you are too important to be making these kinds of decisions." The story and a video of the class is on Voicewaves. [youtube=https://youtu.be/sYtTaYcEpSc]