In response to the previous two posts the following is a true story of how one can emerge from tragedy and violence, and teach peace to children in the face of conflict. Teaching peace is more than just teaching about an end to war and armed conflict that has engulfed nations, but also bringing peace to the streets which are so often embattled in a war of their own.
Juveniles are two and a half times more likely to become a victim of violent crime than their adult counter parts. And while violent crime and homicide committed by juveniles has decreased significantly in the past decade, the numbers continue to haunt communities across the country. According to Juvenile Offenders and Victims: 2006 National Report, “8% of 17-year-olds reported ever belonging to a gang, 16% sold drugs, and 16% carried a handgun”.
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The video above shows the story of Azim Khamisa, Azim's only son Tariq, 20, was murdered in a gang-related incident while delivering a pizza in San Diego on January 21st, 1995. His murder was 14-year-old Tony Hicks, an 8th grader at Roosevelt Junior High School in San Diego. After his son's death Azim's life was turned upside down as he found no answers to the questions that plagued him day and night. Why did his son die? Why do children join gangs? Why do children lead such violent lives and act with violence? The answers didn't come to him and he needed answers, and it was this quest that led the former investment banker, to join with the grandfather and guardian, of his son's killer, Ples Felix. Together the two men took a tragedy and turned it into hope when they founded the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF). The foundation is dedicated to breaking the cycle of youth violence by empowering kids, saving lives, and teaching peace.
The work of TKF is significantly important as they work with young children to prevent integration into gangs and violence, as “About one-quarter of juveniles who offended at ages 16,17 also offended as adults at ages 18,19” (Juvenile Offenders and Victims: 2006 National Report). Keeping children in school, not only keeps them safe, but by ensuring they receive an education also helps brake the cycle of violence, both at home and on the streets. It is programs like TKF and the power of forgiveness that teach children the true meaning of peace.
Links:
National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center
Center for Study & Prevention of Violence
National Partnerships Against Violence (PAVNET)
Pacific Center for Violence Prevention
Higher Education Ctr Against Violence
Juvenile Justice/Delinquency Prevention (USDOJ)
Center for Community Alternatives
Teen Courts
US Dept. of Justice Information Center
Drug & Gun Violence Resource Center
Gang Violence Prevention
Street Gang Dynamics Resource Guide
Suburban Gangs-Affluent Rebels
LA Gangs
Latino Street Gang Ethnography
Stop the Violence
Student Pledge Against Gun Violence