Dulce Tierra Nuevo Sol

Child Protection
Children and youth in Dulce Tierra live in a high-risk environment that is not only vulnerable to the ongoing threat of violence within the country, but also to community issues that stem from it. Many families suffer from the threat of gangs, armed conflict and illegal trade, and struggle of having to relocate and restart. This disturbance not only affects parents, but also children and youth, who lose a sense of safety, purpose and motivation.

Parents also worry that there aren't enough safe spaces for children to socialize in, nor in which to use their time positively in the community. Many spaces have become central spots for crime and drug use, making children vulnerable to these activities.

Community Leadership
One of the overarching issues that impact all areas of life in Dulce Tierra Nuevo Sol is the lack of local leaders who are empowered to bring change to their own community. Without leaders who can effectively organize local residents, the community struggles to work together to advocate for issues affecting children and families.

Additionally, tension and difficult relationships between groups in the community, combined with discrimination among more vulnerable groups, prevent leaders from involving community members in important decisions that affect families and children.

Education
Another issue the community is keen on overcoming is the quality of and access to education. Many children do not receive the mentoring and encouragement necessary to complete their school work successfully. The quality of education is considered low, and many lack the means or the motivation to study.

Families also lack resources to reinforce studies at home and teachers are left with large class sizes and cannot meet the individual demands of each child. Although the importance of being able to read and write is understood, many children must go out and seek work soon after finishing the most basic of levels of education.