Program launch date: November 13th, 2003.

There is an organizational tradition in the country youths do not escape from. Aside from playing a protective role at addressing risk behaviors, these organizations, make it possible for youths to participate in voluntary activities to the benefit of their communities (mainly of other youngsters, children and golden-age people), and engages them in the development of their neighborhoods.

The Street to Street program ("De Calle a Calle") is supported by NOKIA and the International Youth Foundation, within a global initiative known as "Make a Connection", promoting leadership and youth participation.

The proposal, that is being designed, is based on the following assumption: the risk of assuming or repeating negative behaviors (delinquency, drug trafficking, substance abuse, violence, etc.) decreases by strengthening youths basic social skills, participating actively in constructive youth groups, and engaging in the development of their communities, mainly by strengthening the ethic components of self-esteem and leadership.

The Program stresses the "from-and-to-the-youths" approach, not necessarily as a "problem", but as a positive social element.

The project is implemented in the downtown area of Lima: Barrios Altos, Ancieta and Cárcamo. It is has been made possible thanks to the alliances of youths and grass-root organizations, community authorities, and institutions from the health and education sector.

General Objective

To help stop delinquency and psycho-active susbstance abuse among youngsters of high-risk neighborhoods.

Specific Objectives

1. Strengthen social skills among adolescents and organized youngsters and their families.
2. Support voluntary activities by training young volunteers and providing them materials to implement their activities.
3. Provide facilities for educational, cultural and sports activities for children, adolescents and youths, to prevent risk behavior through the good use of leisure time.
4. Encourage prominent leaders with scholarships for technical studies.
5. Disseminate the "Make a Connection" Program, and improve the image of youths and youth groups within the community and with the local authorities.

STRATEGIES

Youth training workshops focused on the following subjects are being conducted:
· Contribution to the community.
· Empathetic attitude.
· Respect for others. (Pleasant manners)
· Responsibility
· Communications
· Conflict management
· Cooperation
· Management of personal emotions
· Creative thinking
· Analytical thinking
· Decision making
· Self-worth

These "Life Skills" are alternated with voluntary youth work to the benefit of their communities.

The target group is formed by approximately 900 male and female adolescents and youths, ages 15 through 22.

We are hoping for local Nokia volunteers to support and participate in our project through their "Helping Hands" program within the framework of the co ordinations made with CEDRO.