Even though it is a small town, Lolotique has big problems.
Not too long ago, the mayor was killed by gang members. Unfortunately in this area – located in the eastern part of El Salvador – death threats and gang extortions are not uncommon.
As a result, many youth see migration to the U.S. as one of the few viable options they have to escape the violence, poverty and lack of job opportunities. But there are also plenty of youth who are determined to stay – and who don’t want to turn to a life of crime to be able to do so.
So instead, they do this.
Photo Courtesy of Grupo Juvenil Ajopet
Wait…what?
Considering the situation I just described it might be hard to imagine how a mime is helping to improve the situation. Let me explain.
One of LWR’s longtime partners, APSIES, has been working with youth groups in and around Lolotique for the past few years. Their goal is to support the courageous efforts of young people to combat the influence of the gangs in their neighborhoods. I had the chance to meet with some of these youth groups during a recent visit to El Salvador.
I sat at a table surrounded by kids ranging in age from 12 to 20 years old who told me of their hunger for hope and for opportunities to stay in their communities. Their youth groups have served as a powerful opportunity to band together and have a positive impact on their communities. As a part of their groups, youth have done things such as ensuring the quality of health services in local clinics by conducting health surveys. Each group has also established an income generating activity – which brings me back to the mimes.
Acting Out Their Future
Each youth group participates in a different income generating activity. Some are working on handcrafts. Others have started up photography and videography services. And one group, Grupo Juvenil Ajopet, is doing mime performances. They did one of their performances for us during my visit – an incredibly powerful depiction of the migration journey, all in mime.
I was taken aback by these kids’ level of maturity, especially considering the youngest of them was just 12 years old. When asked at the end why they chose that topic, they said they wanted to highlight the dangers and risks of migrating while also acknowledging that staying in their own communities also poses risks. Through their performance, they hoped to convey the statement that they’d rather face the risk of staying and building a better community for the future.
So while Lolotique and the nearby communities have big problems, they also have lots of promise. I was profoundly moved by the dedication of this group of kids, not only to their art but also to each other and to their communities. To me, their determination to stay in El Salvador, despite the odds being against them, is a true display of courage and faith.
This is one of the many reasons I am thankful for the commitment of our partner, APSIES. With your help, we’ve supported this organization for more than 10 years.
If you’d like to learn more about Grupo Juvenil Ajopet, visit their Facebook page. Thank you for your partnership in this work. With your support of LWR, you’ve made a difference in the lives of these youth!