24 September, 2004 – The gang phenomenon is not a novelty in Ecuador. While various institutions focus on the problem, the government has failed to adequately address youth at conflict with the law.
One institution successfully working with at-risk youth is the Ser-Paz Foundation in Guayaquil. Ser-Paz, a COAV partner organisation, began its work five years ago.
Elsa Curbello, Foundation director, explains that the organisation works with at-risk youth to start micro-enterprises, with the support of city government and other organisations. "Society needs to pay attention to young people in gangs."
Successful examples
Other programmes that stand out include the work of the National Child and Family Institute, a private organisation that works with the federal government in the province of Esmeraldas. Nearly 200 young people receive technical training, and many go on to work for local government.
The programme, which is supported by the Church and the municipality of Esmeraldas, has reduced violence, drug consumption and conflicts between police and gangs, particularly in low-income neighbourhoods, says the newspaper El Comércio.
Institute employee Tyrone Neira says that collaboration between different institutions has led to the rehabilitation of young gang members. For Neira, the gang problem in the city has been nearly overcome.
That is backed up by Governor Rosa Cabezas and Esmeraldas Mayor Ernesto Estúpiñan. "I think that you have to give them support, which is why we hire them to carry out jobs. They have rehabilitated the neighbourhoods that were the focus of the problem," says Estúpiñan.
The mayor believes that the federal government should help the province by creating jobs and public recreational areas. "That avoids them from gathering in the streets and getting involved in delinquent behaviour and crime," says the mayor.
Another best practice in rehabilitating gang members is the Cinco Potencias ‘reggaetón’ musical group, made up of five former gang leaders from Esmeraldas.
Music has changed their lives, say the members of the group, whose music and style of dress are popular among locals. "Before we were involved in crime, we were always in trouble with the law."
Centre in conflict
But not all efforts to deal with the gang problem are so successful. The Virgilio Guerrero Youth Orientation Centre, which has worked with youth at conflict with the law since 1995, can not make ends meet on the US$120,000 it receives monthly from the government. Seventy-five cents are needed daily to feed each intern.
Raúl Casares, from the Secretariat for the Protection of Minors, says that the budget for the Virgilio centre has already been increased by US$20,000, and that a further increase is not possible. He admits that the 21 centres have problems, but says that not all are financial, but rather personnel, and are being worked out.
Currently, there are 50 adolescent interns at Virgilio, and a further 70 are in partial release programmes. Interns are taught behavioural and coping skills, and those who are addicted to drugs receive treatment. The family is considered a vital part of the rehabilitation process.
Only on paper
The Welfare Ministry says that since 2003 it has supported programmes for at risk youth at the national level. However, says newspaper El Comercio, the Ministry and the General Office for Minors and Youth may have many projects, but they are only on paper.
Gabriel Valencia, from the General Office for the Protection of Youth, says that this year they hope to begin a programme that specifically deals with gangs. The project will target youth between the ages of 18 and 29 years old who are at risk of joining a gang or abusing drugs and alcohol.
The programme seeks to improve the quality of education and the use of free time for low-income youth, benefiting 9,000 of them directly and indirectly.
Until now, however, the project is only in the planning stages.
Sources: Instituto Nacional de la Niñez y la Familia, Ministerio del Bienestar Social, El Comercio.
