Petro will pay young people from Buenaventura to keep them away from criminal groups
We are going to pay them not to kill, proposing university places for higher education
President Gustavo Petro launched an offer in Buenaventura aimed at young people who are part of criminal structures such as Los Shottas and Los Espartanos, offering them an economic incentive to move away from violence and opt for a university education.
Despite the truce announced by Los Shottas and Los Espartanos in September, violent events have recently occurred that have generated tensions between criminal groups. With the objective of promoting total peace in the region, President Petro traveled to Buenaventura and held a meeting with the communities.
During his speech, Petro called on the members of these gangs to abandon violence and, with the support of the government, enter the university. The proposed program, called "Jóvenes en Paz", will offer economic incentives to thousands of young people so that they dedicate themselves to study and avoid participating in violent acts.
"We are going to pay them for not killing, for not participating in violence and for studying. We are going to give them help to enter SENA, which here has a commitment that must be fulfilled, and to access the university," declared Petro . In addition, he assured that the government's objective is not only to expand places in higher education, but also to provide financial support so that young people interested in studying do not encounter financial obstacles.
The president also stressed that the economic support will extend to family situations, such as raising children, supporting the home or caring for young couples. The government will seek to provide economic support in these circumstances to ensure a favorable environment for the personal and educational development of the youth of Buenaventura.
With this initiative, the government seeks to promote viable alternatives for young people to abandon crime and focus on their academic and personal growth. It is hoped that this program will contribute to the construction of a more prosperous and secure future for the inhabitants of Buenaventura.