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Colombia

Life prospects away from crime and violence

The district Aguablanca in the metropolis of Cali is characterized by violence, drugs and armed conflict. For many young people, joining youth gangs seems to be the only way out. With our local partner organization Paz y Bien, we create safe spaces for young people and promote non-violent prospects for a better future through educational programs. non-violent prospects for a better future.

Voices on site

"When I was 13, I was full of hate and was on the verge of becoming a criminal. Then I discovered the power of forgiveness and found my inner peace. I am happy to still be alive."
Portrait Jugendlicher Projekt Kolumbien - terre des hommes schweiz

José Eliseo Mosquera Correa
22 years

Background

Cali is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. A third of the population lives in Aguablancaone of the poorest districts. Violence, armed conflict and the notorious Cali cartel have characterized the city for decades. Until the middle of the 1990s-years the cartel dominated large parts of Cali and claimed hundreds of lives every year. The ongoing violence has left deep scars. Many young people adopt violent behavior, follow the call of fast money and slip into crime – often with fatal consequences.

Project goals

The aim is to in three neighborhoods of the district of Aguablanca to contribute to a life free of violence for children, young people and their families.

Project activities

  • Protection and care: We speak the Teenagersn on the streetsse and make them aware of the program “Francisco Esperanza“ attentive, the protection in seven youth centers and medical and psychological support.
  • Support: We usupport these young people in their search for an apprenticeship and reintegration into the school system.
  • Restorative justice: We teach young people the method of restorative justice so that they can break out of the spiral of violence step by step.
  • Personal development: We offer workshops on topics such as life dreams, non-violent communication and motivation, where young people can also improve their reading and writing skills.
  • Raising awareness: To actively engage the local community, we organize public events to promote understanding of the needs and challenges of young people.
Jugendliche draussen im Kreis stehend Kolumbien Projekt - terre des hommes schweiz
Strong together: The young people also playfully explore their rights and life dreams.

Beneficiaries

Benefiting from our worktin the the past project phase 200 adolescents and young adultsand their families.

Our partner organization

Paz y Bien was 1987 founded and carries out important peace work in Aguablancaa neighborhood predominantly inhabited by Afro-Colombians. terre des hommes switzerland has been supporting the organization since 2009.

Project location and phase

We work in the neighborhood Aguablancaa district of Cali. The current project phase covers the years 2021-2024 with an annual budget of CHF 80 000.
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