Red Card to Violence (“Tarjeta Roja a la Violencia”)

More about Red Card to Violence (“Tarjeta Roja a la Violencia”)

Ser Paz works with gang since 11 years in the city of Guayaquil. It seeks to transform a serious problem that threatens peace and terrorizing the population by involving the gang members themselves and transforming them in positive actors. To achieve this goals, we implement the methodology of "Futbol callejero", an adapted methodology to play soccer that develops listening skills, dialogue, understanding, respect for women and teamwork.

The way to play soccer is in three times, without referee and a social mediator who facilitates de game and the dialogue. The first half the players established the rules and also discuss about the values they will respect during the match, the second half is the match with the participation of equal number of girls and boys, and the third half both teams assess what happened during the match, and they collectively put a score for respecting the rules and values.

At the end, a game can be won not only by goals. Prior to the tournaments in the neighborhoods, workshops on mediation are held. We also work to develop skills that allow the emergence of leadership, and to improve the self-esteem. Football is the quintessential sport practiced in the neighborhoods, and is a highly convener sport.