A Future Beyond Poverty & Gangs

In El Salvador:  The work has commenced with nine boys but next year we will be able to upscale. Below, the boys have written about their lives both PRIOR to being in our project and NOW that they have entered our project.

Two boys wrote:                                                                                                                                           I live in one of the most dangerous zones in El Salvador. The gang have prevailed for many years. It was a place of death. Those who entered without permission, many times were murdered.                      Everything was controlled by the gangs and if a boy came from another area, they murdered him without hesitation.                                                                                                                               Since I was little, I have felt fear - if I take a wrong turn or simply if I am in the wrong place at the wrong time I could die.

Both of my parents are in prison, so now I only have my grandmother. Us kids were forced to be with dad when gang members came to our place to plan crime and take drugs. My dad wants me to continue in his footsteps. I feel helpless. All I want is for us to live without fear and to be happy.

Since joining he project, the boys have written:                                                                                          I have the opportunity to study in a private school, something I never imagined would be possible.  Now, thinking about tomorrow gives me peace.                                                                                      Every time I think about my future, I no longer feel that knot in my stomach. Now I feel like I can get ahead.

Here, peace and love are like breath in every corner. I don't feel alone. I feel like I have a family that supports me, takes care of me, and who encourages me to be better. My heart - once filled with fear, is now filling with hope.    

In San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The work has nine boys living there. Their progress at school has been amazing. In previous times, the boys were at low grade government schools but now they attend a private school where the standard of education and expectation is much higher. They have excelled with this opportunity.

We have almost completed the construction of a large extension on the side of our house. This will enable 15 or so teenage boys to stay. But at this time, we have run out of money! We still require $6000 to finish it off.

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