Gabriel* was involved in drug trafficking and gun violence, placing him at very high risk of being murdered before he reaches adulthood. In our community space he has talked openly about and moved on from his experiences, developed his talents and rediscovered the joy of adolescence! By helping to keep our community space open, your donation will ensure that Gabriel continues to have a safe space in which to reflect, create, learn and debate. *we have changed his name to protect his identity
Although approximately 1 in every 100 young people in Vila de Abrantes will be killed before their 19th birthday, a lack of community spaces and stigma about violence means that young people like Gabriel have few opportunities to develop resilience and overcome their involvement in drugs. Our community center provides just such a space, but we struggle to access funding to cover basic costs, such as rent, water and electricity. Your donation will ensure we can stay open until the end of 2018.
By keeping our community space open, young people like Gabriel will be able to participate in activities that raise self-esteem, develop joyful resilience and change lives! Activities such as community plays, with debates about racism, family communication, teenage pregnancy and mental health issues; recitals of the poetry written in our workshops; exhibitions of their graffiti and photography work and talks on topics such as youth leadership, transgender and LGBT rights and sexual health.
180 young people will develop increased resilience and self-esteem. Project activities will provide a safe environment for debate within this violent community, allowing young people to develop well-being and limit their involvement in high risk situations. Positive outcomes will occur through assertive activities, such as exhibitions, debates and presentations within the community focused on racism, violence and human rights, enabling young people's voices to be heard, towards peaceful change.
