South Africa, the arts and youth in conflict with the law

This article describes the Diversion into Music Education (DIME) youth intervention programme that originated in South Africa in 2001. DIME offers instruction in African marimba and djembe ensemble performance to juvenile offenders. Conceived as community collaboration among organizations in the cities of Cape Town, South Africa and Tampa, United States of America (including the University of the Western Cape and the University of South Florida), DIME offers a unique example of community music and multicultural music education. Its distinctive nature lies in an intervention format that integrates music teaching, mentoring and intercultural exchanges aimed at both the acquisition of musical skills that offer opportunities for healthy diversion from crime and at successful reintegration into society.