Colombia - Spaces for people to meet and socialize helping to prevent drug use and violence

07 September 2016

(ANS - Neiva) - The Panorama neighbourhood is in the South-East area of ​​the city of Neiva. It is characterized by a very serious level of poverty and various social problems. Family violence and the lack of educational and employment opportunities for young people mean that many kids spend their time on the streets, engaged in begging, theft, drug use and fighting. Thinking of these young people, the Salesians in the area want to promote alternative social spaces, with healthy proposals for use of free time and consequent reduction of social exclusion.

In the district there are currently 23 youth gangs, which give rise to many criminal acts. Many young people are involved in drug addiction and in prostitution. The example of the families is of little help and violence permeates their relationships.

Practically 51% of the population is illiterate and educational institutions fail to meet the educational requirements. The general socio-economic status is low. Child abuse and marital abuse are widespread. Poor relationships between neighbours are frequent and all this makes for a very low quality of life.

The Salesians want to promote alternative spaces for young people where they can accompany them and help them with their school work.  They will provide entertainment in the afternoons and activities that help young people to share and to accept each other. They want to start a sports school and music classes particularly guitar and vocal technique, to give the young people alternatives.

In short, they want to work once again to form good Christians and honest citizens among the young people who are most needy and at-risk.

Further information is available on the website of the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid.

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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