Crime in Ccorca - 1st October 2011

Recently the district of Ccorca has been rocked by a new wave of crime. Adolescents from two communities are making the trip to Cusco where they are assaulting people and coming back with stolen i-pods, mobile phones, trainers and clothes. This is a worrying first for the community of Ccorca. Community members and leaders are worried by the growing number of young people who are turning to crime.

As one teacher from the area says, 'These boys don't want to work with their parents in the fields. It's a very tough life and they have seen something easier in Cusco [the local city]. Unfortunately, these young men have been let down by their school and their lack of education means they are unable to find work in the city. This means that they are stuck in no-man's land and are resorting to crime to fill their stomachs and their time.'

We have spoken with the local council and some of the young people involved. The local council and community members had the idea of a youth project which would give these young people something meaningful to do in their free time whilst helping them learn crucial values and make positive friendships. To this end, we are currently looking at the possibility of a Youth Club in Ccorca itself.