In Central America, the spiral of violence and crime among young people is a very complex problem that the state can not solve on their own. Lack consensus and consistency between the various measures covering police and judicial intervention, education, employment opportunities and health, among others. The gangs are the best structured youth organization. In El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, where the problem is alarming, government responses point strongly towards measures and repressive laws. "This strategy has been counterproductive. The bands are better organized as a reaction to the harsh police action.

Since 2005 Cordaid is working Central America to manage youth violence in Guatemala and El Salvador. Have a look at our current projects in El Salvador:

- Parks and Sport for Youth Development (Mejicanos City Park): https://www.cordaid.org/en/projects/p...
- Community Resilience in Mejicanos (trainings and workshops): https://www.cordaid.org/en/projects/i...
- Prevention of Youth Violence and Advocacy: https://www.cordaid.org/en/projects/p...

About us
Cordaid is a global development organization whose mission is to create flourishing, self-reliant communities in the world's most fragile and conflict-affected areas. Together with local actors, we rebuild trust and stability by tackling multiple challenges in healthcare, education, food security and more. We use Performance Based Financing and local investments to secure solutions to complex problems. Our results are visibly shared, through open data and open development, empowering objective and transparent citizen engagement in the South and North.

100 years of experience
The last 100 years Cordaid has been helping the most vulnerable people worldwide. Times have changed, but our mission has not. Today we work in the most vulnerable regions and conflict areas worldwide as well as in the Netherlands, as our 100 years' experience has taught us that creating opportunities is key for all.

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