Having grown up in Caracas, last week’s riots were not the first time I have seen deprived and alienated young people resorting to violence and crime because they did not feel part of their communities.

England can learn much from El Sistema, Venezuela’s classical-music education programme that has saved hundreds of thousands of children from the cycle of poverty.

The In Harmony Sistema England programme has already achieved significant success, but these schemes should not depend on the Government’s shrinking budgets. Businesses and communities must also offer support if they are serious about helping young people.

Reynaldo Trombetta, London.