Getting Free of Gangs in Honduras
When he first arrived in Honduras, Tom Goekler was burying one teenager a week because of gang fights. You can help break up the gang mentality through several youth projects he has started.
To shake up the gang mentality he has set up a fútbol (soccer) league which has blossomed into 11 teams five boys' teams, four girls' teams and two mara units. "My short-term goal is to stop them from shooting each other. When I arrived in Chamelecón I literally was burying a kid a week.
As far as one young Honduran is concerned, actions--rather than words--are the best way to give thanks.
At one time, Odel was just another statistic a poor, illiterate kid from the city of San Pedro Sula where 70% of all people live in poverty, where the maximum education level is fifth grade, and where violent youth gangs roam the streets. Without access to education or social services, Odel toiled his days away in a maquilla, or foreign-owned factory.
That's where Father Tom Goekler, M.M. and Caminando por la paz (Walking for peace) stepped in.
Caminando por la paz is an integrated, educational training program that helps street kids turn their lives around. For five years Father Tom has used the program to build homes, provide schooling and job training, and help the people take back their streets from criminal gangs.
"When I first arrived here," says Father Tom, "the pressure was to be in the gang. It was the 'in thing'. Now, it's the 'in thing' to be in school. We've had a whole change in street culture."
Odel was one of the first to go through the program. And come the Fall of 2003, he will be the first Caminando graduate to attend college. Remarks Fr. Tom, "From illiteracy to higher education in a region where nobody goes to college...WOW!"
While Odel is preparing for his own future, he hasn't forgotten where he came from. He is in prediscernment for the seminary, and regularly kids Father Tom about taking over his parish one day. Whatever Odel does with his life, Father Tom says it will be service-oriented. He is certain Odel will give thanks by giving back.
Fr. Goekler is looking for funding for the following projects: Gang Training and House Construction Program, Gang Members Tattoo Removal Program and a Youth Community Development Program.
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