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Poverty and Drug-Related Violence in South and Central America

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Poverty and Drug-Related Violence in South and Central America

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Poverty:

30% live below the poverty line; over 50% in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

Impact:

Limited access to education, healthcare, and safe living conditions.

Increased vulnerability to drug-related violence.

Empathy & Action:

Recognize affected individuals as striving for a better life.

Focus solutions on safety, health, and opportunity.

Drug-Related Issues:

Widespread violence and abuse.

Address as a health crisis, not just a crime.

Sustainable Alternatives:

Support agricultural alternatives to drug production.

Safer livelihoods reduce violence and boost economic stability.

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South and Central America face significant challenges with drug abuse, serving as both a hub for drug production and a region affected by the social, economic, and health consequences of addiction. The global drug trade, particularly in cocaine, marijuana, and synthetic drugs, exacerbates these issues.

Ideal: Thriving, safe communities free from drug abuse and violence.
Reality: High levels of drug abuse and related violence, including turf wars leading to injuries and fatalities.
Consequence: Broken families, addiction, and widespread psychological distress within communities.

This collaborative discussion highlighted the value of diverse perspectives in understanding complex issues. A key takeaway was the importance of a clear, specific problem statement to define the issue without prematurely suggesting solutions

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Change start with the young generations

Study done by the National Library of Medicine has shown that community based positive youth development program help the young individuals find their way out of poverty(86% of the participants led a better way of life by focusing on higher education).

Ideas we started with:

Educational programs in schools:

Work with prison systems to introduce inmates to a better way for life

Outreach programs: Provide support for the community to encourage their youth to choose a different path

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Community Outreach Program: operated by local leaders and provides support for individuals of all ages

Mentorship: diversify their perspective

Financial assistance: finding jobs and career guidance opportunities

Shelters: Find host families and provide other spaces for emergencies

Rehab Program: partner up with rehab clinics around the area or invest in some if none are available

Funding

Leverage social media platforms to raise awareness and funds

Providing Loan transparency programs for those interested in taking loans to build businesses

Partner up with companies for support

Ben N Jerry’s: supports nonprofits committed to social justice

Google: provides grants and technoogy resources,

Pfizer: Offer grants to support global health initiative

Government grants, NGOs, and international aid focused on combating poverty and drug-related issues.

Community engagement: Partner with local businesses and launch crowdfunding campaigns.

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How Entrepreneurship Can Help End Poverty in South and Central America

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How Entrepreneurship Can Help End Poverty in South and Central America

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Job Creation

Generates employment opportunities

Provides income and improves living standards

Economic Growth

Increases productivity

Generates wealth and improves infrastructure

Innovation

Introduces new products, services, and technologies

Addresses local challenges and improves quality of life

Empowerment

Provides skills and resources to start businesses

Promotes financial independence and social mobility

Community Development

Solves social problems through social entrepreneurship

Enhances community welfare and creates lasting change

Access to Resources

Bridges gaps with capital, training, and networks

Helps communities thrive and overcome poverty

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Homicide and organized crime in Latin America ... (n.d.-b). https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/gsh/2023/GSH_2023_LAC_web.pdf

Poorest countries in South America 2024. (n.d.). https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/poorest-countries-in-south-america

Funding global health through grants. Pfizer. (n.d.). https://www.pfizer.com/about/programs-policies/grants

Duboz, C. (2024, April 27). Top 15 companies that donate to nonprofits [2024]. Top Corporate Giving Programs: 15 Companies That Donate to Nonprofits. https://www.zeffy.com/blog/companies-that-donate-to-nonprofits

BrightView. (2024, November 27). How fast can someone get addicted to heroin? https://www.brightviewhealth.com/latest-updates/how-fast-can-someone-get-addicted-to-heroin/

Top 4 addictive drugs in america (& why). Oxford Treatment Center. (2023, November 22). https://oxfordtreatment.com/substance-abuse/addictive-drugs/

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Vision: Empower communities in Central and South America to break the cycle of poverty.

Design: A fixed, stable building providing housing, rehabilitation, and job training for alternative livelihoods.

1st Location: Colombia

Colombia produces the highest amount of cocaine and heroine across the region. These drugs are known to be the most addictive.

Heroine and cocaine are notorious for their addictive potential. A few uses is all it takes for one to become dependent on them. (Bright View Health)

Cost: $ 500,000 including physical building and amenities

Use locally available materials to reduce costs and support the economy.

Sustainability: Incorporate eco-friendly and durable materials donated by NGOs or purchased at reduced rates

Impact:

Transforming lives by fostering stability and providing skills for sustainable livelihoods.

Breaking cycles of poverty through opportunities for recovery and prosperity.

Measure:

We expect to work with individuals longterm, +5years.

Success of our program will depend on factors such as

Recovered from drug use

Not involved in any crime

Discovered a passion and is actively pursuing it

Earning an income