However music wasn't the primary goal when the program began in 1975 with just 11 students in a garage. El Sistema's founder, José Antonio Abreu, in "human development," or socail action through music. Abreu's slogan "Toca Luchar," (Play and Struggle) describes his hope that learning and playing music together helps children overcome academic social, and economic obstacles. "If you put a violin in a child's hands, that child will never hold a gun," he is quoted as saying. Interestingly, 90 percent of the program's funding comes from social service agencies rather than cultural organizations. Since 1975, El Sistema has made an amazing difference in many lives. Two million graduates have become skilled musicians, and according to Abreu, they are resilient, flourishing citizens, as well. More than 25 countries, including the United States, Austria, and India, have since copied El Sistema's groundbreaking model