Social Work with Jóvenes Lideres – Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Program

On top of its daily responsibilities of investigating judicial cases, la segunda Fiscalia de Prevencion a la Delincuencia de Trujillo (part of the public ministry) handles several social programs.  These programs are used as preventative measures against juvenile delinquency and violence. One of these programs, Jóvenes Lideres, (young leaders) in El Milagro community aims at preventing juvenile delinquency by supporting and educating ‘at risk’ teenagers from impoverished areas.  The project aims to empower the youth by providing them with the tools they need to become leaders and role models for others in their community.

The program Jóvenes Lideres focuses on teenage boys by providing them with weekly activities.  The activities are geared at educating and supporting the teenagers and transforming them into socially responsible adults.  The activities range from safe sex workshops to music lessons and more.  As young empowered leaders they can then in turn make a positive impact on their own communities.

Minimum Age (on Arrival)Level of SpanishMinimum Time Commitment
25+AdvancedMin. 2 months
LocationCentral Trujillo city
Type of Role(s)Social work
Level of Project Structure
The roles of the volunteer can be plentiful and will highly depend on the person’s wishes and skills. The volunteer can help with the general organization, coordination, and implementations of the activities for the program. The volunteer can help document the activities and events by taking photos and editing videos to share with the community. They can develop and/or lead different workshops with the teenagers (professional training, artistic or sport workshops, and family planning talks). The key role of the volunteer is to socialize with the teenagers, to exchange and bring a smile! Office hours are usually from 8am to 2pm. The volunteer might need to go to the office about 3 times a week. The volunteer will need to be very flexible as the schedule will change from week to week. Activities with the teenagers take place every Friday evening from 7 to 10pm, for which the Fiscalia arranges transportation. Additional activities might be planned throughout the month like an outing at a touristic sight for the teenagers or a sport day. In that case, the volunteer would be expected to go along with the team and the teenagers.
Specific Skills/Experience Required
Intermediate to Advanced level of Spanish. Flexibility! Dress code: The prosecutors require the volunteer to have a non-provocative dress code as the team in charge needs to stand as role models for the teenagers. Tattoos and piercings if existing need to be non-apparent. Skills, experience: Volunteers with social work experience or specific skill sets that can be taught to the teenagers will of course be of high value to the project. Nevertheless, inexperienced volunteers will also be good help by simply chatting with the teenagers and helping out with the organization.

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