AbrazoPaz ~ Embrace Peace
AbrazoPaz is a dynamic social development for leadership and violence prevention program that encourages Mexican youth to embrace peaceful solutions in their daily interpersonal relationships. AbrazoPaz is based on proven methodologies developed by internationally renowned organizations addressing violence prevention and/or have a specific focus working with youth, such as Play for Peace (PFP), Play in the Wild!, Niroga Institute, Help Increase the Peace Program (HIPP), and Partners for Youth Empowerment (PYE). AbrazoPaz seeks to counter the attraction of street gangs and criminal activities that pose a serious risk to Mexican youth and their communities. The program achieves this objective by developing leadership skills and nonviolence mindsets in youth through carefully structured activities designed to promote resilience and empowerment.
Why is it imperative to teach youth violence prevention skills?
The Mexican National Pediatric Institute after conducting in-depth study in the effects of violence on children confirmed, in 2008, “bullying among students is on the rise”.1
Similarly, the UNICEF Annual Report for Mexico stated: “In Mexico two thirds of the children and adolescents in basic education schools stated that they had experienced at least one act of physical aggression. Ninety percent of the school population in 6th grade and secondary schools reported suffering humiliation and insults… In recent years, violence has significantly impacted teenagers. Between 55 and 62% of teenagers in secondary school said they had suffered some form of abuse at some point in their lives. Between 2007 and 2011 the homicide rate has doubled in ages ranging from 15 to 17 years old, from 8.2 to 15.8 for every 100,000 inhabitants.”2 Domestic violence, harassment, threats, narcotic involvement and violence in the culture, all have a harmful effect on the lives of families, children, schools and the community in general. |
AbrazoPaz asserts that violence is preventable.
It takes each member of a community’s commitment to transform the culture of violence. Youth leaders in AbrazoPaz are sensitized to be aware of acts of violence and empowered with knowledge and tools to promote changes in attitude and behavior. They learn ways to take action and acquire specific skills such as nonviolent communication, body and emotion awareness, impulse control, and self-regulation. AbrazoPaz helps build healthy relationships with ones self and others, and the communal environment, all of which serve to prevent conflict from escalating, and increases resilience in the individual and community.
1 Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP). Acoso Escolar (2014).
2 Situación de la niñez en México. (2014). In Informe Anual UNICEF México (p. 8). México: Fondo de las Naciones Unidas para la Infancia (UNICEF) México
1 Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP). Acoso Escolar (2014).
2 Situación de la niñez en México. (2014). In Informe Anual UNICEF México (p. 8). México: Fondo de las Naciones Unidas para la Infancia (UNICEF) México
Help turn abundant possibility into reality!
AbrazoPaz is looking for local individuals who understand and agree with the vision and mission of the program and are willing to collaborate in operational tasks, management, fundraising, coordinating, administrative tasks, assistance, or support in other ways. We are also looking for adult mentors and volunteer counselors who will promote the program, support events, and participate in the training in order to strengthen its effectiveness.