The Project for the People of Paraguay (PPP) is working with social workers from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and with juvenile courts to develop a child protection program that will place children at risk into safer and more structured environments. This program was developed after PPP officials became aware of circumstances involving three boys who had become involved with drugs and gangs on the streets of the Chacarita.

Leonceo Vasquez is off to a better start thanks to PPP. At nine years of age, Leoncio was a repeat theft offender. PPP staff and a social worker from the Ministry of Social Welfare encouraged Leoncio's mother to sign the child to the courts so that a judge could issue a court order for Leoncio to go to the Institute del Manana (Institute of Tomorrow), a juvenile correctional institute. This facility is on 70 acres of beautiful country near the town of Aregua.

Thirteen year old Juvan Cuevas and his fourteen year old brother Dejalmir Cuevas have both been placed in the Don Bosco Roga facility. Both boys were struggling and had been in trouble with gangs and drugs. PPP had a lengthy conference with their mother and were able to convince her that the boys needed to be placed in a safer environment. Both boys were reluctant to go at first, but after ten days. with Padre Martin encouraging them they were happily attending classes and getting into the daily structured routine. Although these boys have admittedly grown up in harsh surroundings it is our hope that with some caring intervention at this point in their young lives, along with involvement in other PPP programs, these young men will come to see hope for an honorable future.

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Last modified: December 01, 2001