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By
Adriana Gulotta
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The Schools
of Peace in the world
In
Latin America: the "escuelitas"
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In the last few years the very frail economy in Latin America has left
large groups of the population and entire areas of the continent socially
and economically backward. This is a serious social crisis, and it is
young people who have suffered the most. News reports about sexual tourism,
exploitation and abuse of minors make clear that children need more
protections from society. The poorest children, such as orphans and
children from broken families, are the the most vulnerable, and they
easily fall prey to the most heinous crimes - child prostitution, slavery,
and organ trafficking.
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In El Salvador, Argentina, Bolivia, Guatemala, Mexico and elsewhere, the 'escuelitas'
welcome children who need protection and support. The "escuelitas"
fight the very high dropout rate and the forces that push the most
disadvantaged children to the margins of society; their very presence
represents a real defense of young people, and offers them a way to escape
child labor and determine their own future.I
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Bolivia: the 'escuelita'
in a prison |
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There are many young children in the prison of Cochabamba, Bolivia,
brought there by their imprisoned mothers. For them the 'escuelita' is one
of the most important moments to play and an occasion to be in school and
learn.
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