Opening Pathways

Communities Saving Lives

"Now, I have a different mindset: I don’t waste time on the street; I work, study and try to be an example for others." Jonathan Stiven Sánchez, Opening Pathways participant, Charco Azul neighborhood

Opening Pathways promotes coexistence in violent environments through conflict mediation, individual life transformation projects and change of social norms among neighbors.

An effective strategy to reduce violent conflicts

In a nonviolent neighborhood, everything is possible.

I choose peace, so my dreams can grow.

Prison or death will not be my destiny.

“In a nonviolent neighborhood, everything is possible.”

Along the streets, on corners, and at home, peace opens doors to new opportunities, Opening Pathways believes in the power of communities to transform their stories: where there once was fear, trust now grows; where there was silence, there is dialogue; where violence once led the way, dreams promise a new path.

A neighborhood that is not at war is not just a peaceful place. It is a place where children can play without fear, where young people find their life projects, where families feel safe enough to build a future. It is proof that coexistence and mediation can tear down invisible walls and build bridges of hope.

Our Impact

“I choose peace, so my dreams can grow.”

Number of mediations

0 %

Percent of successful mediations

Youth with guided social inclusion plans

Institutional remissions

“Prison or death will not be my destiny”

“We must make the most of the opportunities that Opening Pathways offers us. I am not the same person I used to be when I spent my time doing nothing on the streets, causing disturbances, and things like that. We have the benefit or opportunity to fight for our dreams; we can do it, even if there are people telling us we can’t. If you want to, you can.”

Jonathan Sánchez

“I am the instrument for young people who think they don’t have opportunities. There are many who can’t leave this territory. Sometimes you think you aren’t changing, or that nothing is happening, but the community shows you that you really are.”

Sebastián Cortés

“The truth is that this project has made me think in a different way. Before, I didn’t think about my future or having anything for myself, but now that I have reconsidered, I have changed a lot. I stopped a lot of things I used to do, like fighting or doing things I shouldn’t. I think more now and, thanks to the program, I have learned to calm down.”