環(huán)球英語—854：City of Peace

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Welcome to Spotlight. I'm Ryan Geertsma.
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And I'm Robin Basselin. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
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The city of Guayaquil is the largest city in the country of Ecuador. With over 3 million people, Guayaquil is known as a large center of trade and industry. However, like many big cities, Guayaquil is also known for crime. And much of Guayaquil's crime is the product of gang violence.
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There are over 200 gangs in Guayaquil. Over 60,000 young people are involved in these gangs. These criminal groups are often involved in selling drugs, stealing property and hurting people. Youth gang violence is a growing problem all over the world. And most people think gangs are completely bad. However, Nelsa Curbelo disagrees. She lives in Guayaquil, and she believes there are positive things about gangs. Today's Spotlight program is on Nelsa Curbelo and her "Ser Paz" program.
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Nelsa Curbelo has had a long life of service. For many years, she was a Christian nun and school teacher. She devoted her life to the work of the Church and children's education. Later in life, she started working with a human rights organization in Ecuador. She helped show the public hidden acts of violence done by the police and military. For years, she was devoted to helping the hidden victims of this violence.
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However, for the last eleven years, Nelsa has devoted herself to a new cause. Instead of showing the public the product of violence, she decided to help prevent violence. In 1999, Nelsa started "Ser Paz." In English, "Ser Paz" means "Being Peace." Through "Ser Paz", Nelsa encourages young gang members to choose lives of non-violence.
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After starting "Ser Paz", Nelsa took a long time to just listen and learn. For months, Nelsa walked the streets of Guayaquil. She spent time in many of the poorest parts of Guayaquil - in the areas where gangs rule. Nelsa met many young gang members from the community. From them, she learned many things.
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Nelsa began to recognize that the youth gangs were not the basic cause of gang violence. Instead, the basic cause was society. Society had failed these children. These young adults needed education, support, purpose and love. And society had not met these basic needs. However, the gangs did meet many of these needs. They provided a strong support system and community. They also provided money and a purpose for their members.
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Nelsa believes that many young gang members are victims. In a short film created by the Global Oneness Project, Nelsa explained.
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"This unequal world...was created by us - by those who have been living on this planet for years. It is not the failing of the young people who are just beginning life. They experience the situation and react to it. And I think that there is something positive in their reaction: that they form groups and work together. That is good. The struggle is to change the group into a positive chance for social change."
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And this is exactly what Nelsa and "Ser Paz" are doing. The "Ser Paz" program encourages young gang members to set positive goals. It encourages them to think about their skills and what jobs they would enjoy doing. Ser Paz provides education for the young people. And it also helps them get small loans from banks. With these loans, the young gang members can start their own businesses.
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"Ser Paz" has helped young gang members start many businesses - a hair cutting and beauty supply store, a pizza eating place, a printing store and many more. The businesses are all very different, but a few things are the same. First, all the businesses employ gang members. However, the gang members must all agree to stop any kind of criminal behaviour. Second, the businesses must also employ gang members from enemy gangs. This forces gang members from different gangs to work together and respect one another.
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Education and business are only two ways "Ser Paz" serves gang members in Guayaquil. "Ser Paz" develops sports teams for gang members and provides many training services. They also teach conflict resolution classes for the community and schools.
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The work of "Ser Paz" is truly about being peace. And their program is working. A local university in Ecuador did research on the work of "Ser Paz" in the Zona Roja area of Guayaquil. The research showed that after six months of "Ser Paz" working in that area, crime decreased by 60%. Those are amazing results!
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However, the most amazing results are the stories of changed lives. And Nelsa thinks these stories are the best payment for her work. She said,
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"It is the young adults who give me hope. I think that each time we are with human beings who are able to change themselves, we are filled with joy and hope. One saved life, only one, is worth all the work we try to do."
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George Asanza is one of the many saved lives. He used to be a gang leader. Now, he manages a printing store that "Ser Paz" helped him start. Years ago, Nelsa helped George get released from prison. Since that time, George has completely changed his life. He now hopes for peace and respect between all the gangs in Guayaquil. He also recognizes the importance of Nelsa in his new life. In the Global Oneness film, George said,
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"When you meet a person who shows you love, you start to trust that person. That love causes you to change, and causes you to see new positive choices for your life. It is something that touches your heart. I have known Nelsa for seven years now and I am ready to give my life for her. We love her very much."
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The power of "Ser Paz" is not just in their programs. The power is in the love that Nelsa Curbelo and "Ser Paz" give to Guayaquil's young gang members. It is this same love that Nelsa encourages the young gang members to give to other people. And Nelsa is sure that this love can change the world.
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"Love is the greatest power. Love is more powerful than violence, more powerful than a nuclear bomb. Love has the power to completely change lives, to change cities, and the whole world. Only love has this deep creative power. I am completely sure of it."