The project will help more than 100 vulnerable children in the Alto Peru neighborhood - an urban area on the slopes of a hill with high rates of violence, crime, and lack of public spaces - to learn positive behaviors, values and emotional tools through exciting sports activities. Likewise, we use the space as a safe environment where participants can meet, play and behave like children, we let them enjoy their childhood without worrying about the struggles that surround them every day.
The Project is located in the barrio ALTO Peru, an urban area in the slopes of a hill with an amount of potential for activities. This community is a slum with high rates of violence and crime, and a lack of public spaces. Growing up in this context can be really challenging. Children are exposed to violence at home and in the neighborhood; they don't have appropriate public or private spaces for any recreational activities; some of them are in charge of their siblings or they have to work.
Our sport program provides a safe space where trained caring adults encourage children and youth to learn positive behaviors and emotional tools through exciting, evidence-based activities. These help children and young adults cope with stress and form positive bonds that increase their resilience. We promote physical activity, communication with empathetic adults, and development of positive behaviors and values. Our methodology is evidence-based.
The project will serve over 100 children every year increasing their opportunities and creating a positive cycle. Within two years of training they could become role models for younger kids, instructors or professionals in their sports. Apart from the sporting benefits we will use the space as a safe environment for children where they can meet each other, play games and behave as kids, we let them enjoy their childhood without worrying about the struggles surrounding them every day.
