INL has been supporting the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program, a police-taught prevention program which seeks to prevent kids from joining gangs while providing them with life skills and decision-making tools. In addition, the program aims at improving the relationship between the police and the community. By assisting kids to be and feel safe in their communities, the G.R.E.A.T. program contribute to a reduction in irregular migration from those seeking safety outside of their home country.
Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) is a police-led youth outreach program focused on violence prevention and anti-migration through disciplines such as soccer, basketball, swimming and dancing. The program aims to keep at-risk-youth away from potential gang and migration activities by providing fun and safe after-school activities. At the beginning of each P.A.L., instructors lead conversations with the kids about drug prevention, resilience during COVID-19, and risks of immigration, among others. The P.A.L. program began as a pilot program in 2012 with approximately 500 kids but due to its considerable popularity and success, the program was institutionalized in the PNC and expanded to all 19 police delegations. The program has enrolled more than 20,000 kids. PNC-certified police officers oversee the activities, and build strong bonds with the youth participants. INL has invested more than $2 million in the program. The program is currently supported by a $3.6M grant from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
For more information about P.A.L. program, please contact: contacto@patriaunida.org
Visit the official G.R.E.A.T. webpage at: https://www.great-online.org
