Now that everyone should be able to comment without having to sign up for any new accounts (just select "anonymous" under the "comment as" menu), let's get started with our reading. Click on the following link, which will take you to an article from Ode Magazine called "Join My Gang." Read the article, then comment with a one-paragraph response and one question you have about something from the article. Sign your comment with your first name, last initial and block. You must complete this by 5:00 on Sunday, February 8th. Happy reading!
http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/54/join-my-gang/
-Ms. Barberic
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ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
I really liked this article! It showed the power of love especially in the places that needed it most. I think that since the people of Ecuador were full of violence and did not expect the love shown to them, that they were taken by surprise by Nelsa Curbelo's kind words and actions towards them. Even though it took them off guard, I believe that they really did want to do the right/loving thing, but by protecting themselves from violence they did not know how to. I greatly respect and admire Nelsa Curbelo's love without judgement. She truly loves as Jesus wants us to! I also wonder how she began her ministry? Who was the first person she helped? Where are they now? Also what was the first thing that she did and is it still prevalent now?
-Alyssa D. Block C
I really liked reading this article. It showed how members from different gangs could work together for a common goal.It would take a while for something like that to happen in Cleveland. The Bloodz and the Crips will probably never get along like the ex-gang memebers do in Guayaquil, and if they do, that would be a miracle. I really liked reading that they rolled over all thier guns and knives with a smeamroller, showing that they were done with gangs. How do the townspeople feel about the gangs becoming ex-gangs?
ReplyDelete- Rachael S. Block A
In my opinion, I think this article was very inspirational. Especially, the way Nelsa Curbelo turned a city completely around just by listening to them and giving them options. It takes a lot of courage and dignity for a woman like that to go out and help a city that was involved in such violence. To now, where the city has hardly any violence at all, is just absolutely amazing and overwhelming. Also, people that were really caught in all the violence turned out to have jobs and a totally different person because of Nelsa Curbelo. The city really showed change by rolling over all the weapons they put in the street. Displaying that they really wanted change with all the violence and to grow towards peace. Seeing how Nelsa Curbelo helped this city is it possible that other people see this and would want to follow?
ReplyDelete- Kristina C. Block C
This is a great article. It is a perfect example of how love can conquer anything. I think that its awesome the gangs worked out their differences and decided to get along by starting businesses and hiring people from other gangs. I think that article shows when someone wants to make a difference and change the world they can. Their heart has to be in the right place! How did Nelsa decide that she wanted to help these gang members?
ReplyDeleteAsma S. Block C
I enjoyed reading this article. I always like stories of inner-city kids turning their lives around. I found it to be inspirational. This is an example of a truly moral person. Nelsa Curbelo is exceptional because she does not take the standard approach. Instead of just trying a program or a group, she went out there and trusted them. Her willingness to be present in their actual lives and be around them even on the streets shows true love and coyrage. It shows that she has enough love to trust someone even though no one else would. This is what morality is truly about, doing what you yourself believe is right. For these reasons I enjoyed the article. A question I have about the article is how are the businesses going? Are they profitable and successful, besides the success of organizing the gang members?
ReplyDeleteAnna C. Block C
This was such an inspirational article because it is so amazing to see that one woman is affecting the entire world by helping one country. The power of Nelsa Curbelo's love is overwhelming and it had such a positive effect on all of the people in Guayaquil. It is really mind boggling that men who formerly were warring against each other, harmed and scared others, and killed many people for a living became hard, unified workers at new built pizzeria, a recording studio, and print shop. This article shows that love can conquer anything and everything, even a 250 pound, muscular, gun carrying, gang member. “Nothing is more revolutionary than love,” Curbelo declares. “Love is the greatest power in the universe. Love is more powerful than violence, more powerful than the atomic bomb. Love has the power to transform lives, to change cities and the whole world. Only love has this deep creative power. I am absolutely sure of it.”If one woman is able to do this, what would happen if everyone in the world did this? We would be close to something so incredible as world peace, ending world hunger, stopping genocides around the world, or other horrible epidemics occurring in today's society.
ReplyDeleteSomething I am wondering is why Curbelo wanted to go to Guayaquil out of all places?
Katie P. Block B
This article is really inspiring. Nelsa Curbelo really helped a town to do a 180. Before she founded Ser Paz, Guayaquil was crime filed and riddled with crime. Ser Paz encouraged gangs to put down their guns and knives and trade them in to use their talents for good, such as running a T-shirt store. Curbelo saw that the gangs had good qualities, just used for the wrong things. Gangs all stuck together like communities, she just wanted them to put it to better use. In Ser Paz, every job had to consist of rival gang members. They learned to work together and grow into a better society. We should look to Nelsa Curbelo to help better our society the way she has.
ReplyDeleteShannon S. C
I really enjoyed readin this article because it showed how a little hope and love can change so many lives. I think that it's amazing that Curbelo had the courage to walk around dangerous streets and talk to gang members that she didn't even know. She gave her love and help so freely, it's easy to understand why she is such an amazing inspiration to all that she helped. Most people think that violence and gangs are a lost cause and this article just goes to show that as long as there is hope, there is a way.
ReplyDeleteHow did Curbelo stop the gang members from originally hurting her while she was walking on their streets?
-Fay H. Block B
I find this article to be a true demonstration of what love and compassion can do for an entire community. The fact that Nelsa Curbelo had the courage to roam the streets of Ecuador alone at night in order to better understand the troubled youth is phenomenal. She put herself in danger in order to give these kids and teens a chance to live their lives and abandon crime. Though it is an extreme scenario, I believe this article clearly shows what the combination of faith in God and love can do for others. I have to admit, at my first reading of the caption of the title, “Nelsa Curbelo, a 66-year-old former nun and schoolteacher, took on the toughest young criminals in Ecuador’s most violent city—and won them over with love,” I laughed and thought this was going to be a cheesy article. However, after reading about all the successes Curbelo has made within the gangs (having them work together and create businesses) I realize that this is a genuinely good snippet of information that can give hope to others. A question I have about the article is: How long did it take to have the hardcore gang leaders to start working together? The article mentioned that the young members were more easily swayed away from the violence, but what about the others?
ReplyDeleteSam S.
B Block
I really enjoyed reading this article. It shows how much love can really do to everybody. I was unsure how one person was going to stop so much crime that was happening in the city. The way Nelsa Curbelo stopped so many things amazes me. I would have never thought that opening up shops to employ the gang members would really work. The requirements she uses are very effective. The fact that Curbelo had the courage to walk around the dangerous and violent streets talking to people shows how much she cares for everyone. I also liked reading that she doesn't call gang members "delinquents" and that shen encourages team work. Overall, I really enjoyed this article. One question I have after reading it is: How did Curbelo convince the authorities to release George, trusting him he would give up crime forever?
ReplyDeleteBridget VanDenHaute, B block
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the article because it is such an inspiring story. You would never expect a 66-year-old women to be single-handedly lowering the crime rate in such a dangerous city. This article shows the outcome and success of one person's determination, imagine our society if every person acted just a little bit like Curbelo. I also like the way she made the gang members agree to give up violence forever and how she had rival gang members working together. She shows such bravery in all of her actions, even walking alone at night to learn more about the gangs.
ReplyDeleteWas is easy or difficult for Curbelo to get the gang members to cooperate with each other and work together?
-Hannah S.
C Block
When I read the title, I expected this article to be about a group acting against gang violence in different communities, but I was surprised to find that it was about how one person’s actions could help gangs improve their lives. The love that Nelsa Curbelo showed the members was very encouraging to me and hopefully to all of its readers. I think that by showing the gang members respect, Nelsa gained their trust and also demonstrated a more positive way of proving themselves; she used love instead of violence. By treating them with respect, she allowed them to discover their worthiness. Also in showing them love, she replaced their violence with confidence within themselves. By focusing on the youth of Ecuador, Nelsa changed how the gang members of Guayaquil’s displayed their power. Nelsa Curbelo’s actions without judgment, I think, are a great example of how we should act towards others. My remaining question is: Has her positive influence in Guayaquil, Ecuador, influenced other cities in different parts of Ecuador and/or Latin America? Another question indirectly related to this article is: Why doesn’t America have positive influences reported in the news media?
ReplyDeleteAshley K, block A
I thought that this article was very inspiring. Curbelo proved that all anyone needs is to know that they are loved. She went into Guayaquil with an open heart and helped a great majority of the gang members to turn their lives around. Prior to her arrival, they felt abandoned and unloved, so they acted out with violence and murder to get attention. I think Curbelo is a great person for turning that many lives in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteHow did the gang members initially react to Curbelo when she tried to help them?
Rebecca A, Block C
This article really shows how much difference one person can make on the world. I liked that the story emphasized Curbelo’s attentiveness to those she served. She didn’t judge the people who were in the gangs nor did she immediately end them. Instead, she opted to hear the gangs’ points of view and figure out why they did what they did. Curbelo exemplifies Christian behavior by being loving and kind to everyone, even people in gangs.
ReplyDeleteHow would the article be different if it was written by someone who did not like Curbelo, and why would someone not like her or her organization?
-Mary Jo M., block B
I liked this article. It shows how the worst of a situation can turn into something good. Curbelo showed a very big display of courage. This courage acts as an inspiration to many people, especially those citizens of violence-based towns. This also shows how important love is. It can bring the worst of enemies as close as family. Things just start to change with love in your life, for the better (most of the time). Are all the gangs gone? And did the gangs willingly agree at first or did it take persuation, or the law?
ReplyDelete-Alexis L. Block A
i mean, Block B
ReplyDelete(Alexis L)
This was a very interesting article. It was very inspiring and I love the way that Curbelo approached the problem of gangs and violence. Instead of working right away to get rid of it she tried to understand it and work together with the gangs to make peace. She looked at the positive things that came out of gangs, the teamwork, commitment and the sense of belonging and quick communication. She had the idea to give them opportunities that they never had before, to open their own businesses but it came with conditions. The gangs had to work against violence and they had to include in their business members of rival gangs so that they could communicate and learn to work together and get along. The crime rates instantly went down as gangs worked together to try and stop the violence. This is proof that peace is not impossible. If we work towards it together it can be achieved. I love this quoted by Curbelo,“Love is the greatest power in the universe. Love is more powerful than violence, more powerful than the atomic bomb. Love has the power to transform lives, to change cities and the whole world. Only love has this deep creative power.” This quote is absolutely true, love conquers all. If everyone loved their neighbor as they loved themselves then peace can be achieved, and Curbelo helped those gangs to work towards this idea. My question is why don't we embrace this idea and use it in other areas that gang violence is a problem?
ReplyDeleteJessika H. block C
I really enjoyed reading this article. I thought it was an inspirational story to read about how gangs who are no longer on the streets and are doing good now. I believe the Ser Paz organization really helped these boys see the good such as hope in their futures instead of the bad such as violence/fighting with guns, knives, etc. between/against other gangs. I thought it was sad that most of these boys join gangs because something personal happened to them in their life and there is no one to support them except their gang members. Nelsa Curbelo changed this for the boys in gangs by being fearless by going to their neighborhoods and listening to these young boys she would later help. Nelsa Curbelo showed her love to these gang members by showing respect,gained their trust, and showing careness about them. She showed this love instead of violence because she wanted to change these gang's lives from violence and let them discover their worthiness and confidence they had inside them. Curbelo did this without judgement and love. I think this is what we should act towards one another: without judgment and love. My question is this: Are there other organizations like this helping gangs around other countries? If not, why not? Also, Do you think that Cleveland should start an organization like Curbelo did to help the gangs we have here in Cleveland?
ReplyDelete~Jessica D. Block A
"Nothing is more revolutionary than love,
ReplyDeleteLove is the greatest power in the universe."
--Nelsa Curbelo
This article was very touching and inspirational. Gangs are not only a problem in areas like Ecuador, but everywhere in the world. Nelsa Curbelo did not ever refer to the children and teens that she encountered on the steets as "troublemakers"or "delinquents," but as people who have suffered in some way throughout their lives. She didn't use "gangs" in a negitive way, but related gangs in a positive way by requiring the teen boys that she worked with to better develop their teamwork and other skills that will help them to become influential, strong members of society, determined to not let their past define them. Nelsa Curbelo serves as a Christ-like example to all the boys that she has encountered amd has truely make a difference in their lives. One question that I have related to this article is how prominant are gangs in Cleveland, and do we have porgrams such as these to reverse the work of gang members in our own area?
Joni G.
Block B
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis article is a true inspiration to me, and it really provides some insight into the lives of those around the planet. My friend Erin who goes to Walsh Jesuit actually went to Guayaquil last year through a mission trip. She described to me the immense poverty and destruction and how the people were still able to feel the love amidst all of their suffering. I now know that every word that Erin spoke was true, due to the efforts of the wonderful volunteers and social workers like Nelsa Curbelo. A lot of people do hold prejudices against those living in destitution, just as is mentioned in the article, and this saddens me. I believe in giving people second chances, just as Nelsa does, and I hope that efforts of those working in third-world countries may help to undo these stereotypes. I really like the idea of not destroying the gangs but changing them to be positive “teams” instead of negative and combative factions. If people can continue to advocate nonviolence, the world might one day be a much better place. One question that I would ask about this article is: how many of the gang members actually keep their promises in refraining from crime?
ReplyDeleteAmanda DN
Block B
I think Nelsa Curbelo is an inspiration to all. She clearly has a lot of courage starting an organization like this one. Working with gang members can obviously be dangerous, and it's amazing that the first person to help was a 66 year old woman! I think it's great that the ex-gang members now have someone to turn to to restart their lives in a better way. I thought it was really touching to see how greatful they were for her help. These boys are getting a second chance most people don't get to change and learn from the mistakes they made in their lives, and that isn't something you always get to see. I liked this article because of it's positive aspect and the fact that what Nelsa is doing isn't reforming the damage, but preventing it from happening in the future. It's nice to hear about the good things that are happening in the world as opposed to all the sad stories seen on the news everyday.
ReplyDelete-Would an attempt to start something similar to Ser Paz be as effective in dangerous neighborhoods in the US?
Jill K.
Block C
This is truly an example of how one person can change the world. Nelsa Curbelo's display of love radiates out not only to the gang members in Ecuador she is affecting but to all who read her story and are inspired by her. I was particularly intrigued by her different perspective of gangs, and how she views them as teams developing positive qualities like commitment, sense of belonging, and communication. She goes on to mention how the youth that join gangs just want to be recognized as people. This is an incredible perception of something the majority of people view as negative. I wish more people could be open-minded like her. I think that's what leaders need if they really do want to change the bad things in the world. Her ability to forgive even the most seemingly dangerous people is also amazing.
ReplyDelete-Do these former gang members believe in God or just the concept of love?
the above paragraph is from
ReplyDeleteKathe P.
Block B
sorry : )
I really liked this article! Nelsa Curbelo's story of undying courage, strength, and love is one that will forever be remembered through Ecudor ans well as all those who read it. Nelsa Curbelo saw how violence ridden Guayaquil was, and she completely changed the city by doing the simplest thing: showing love and compassion to people who desperately needed it. Nelso also relaized something else we all should remember; people who make negative choices and not negative people. Everyone faces trials in their lives, and that sense of hardship and loss may cause us to make negative descions. With Curbelo's help, however, these people now have a chance to better themselves. Future generations will have a much better life in Guayaquil as well. One thing
ReplyDeletei wanted to know what has Curbelo's ministry been spread to other parts of Ecuador, or surrounding countries?
In the U.S, though we have violence, we have freedom as well, as we live in a democracy. How do you think this ministry would be affective in war torn areas, such as the middle east, or to areas under different forms of government?
the comment is from Julie G. block A.
ReplyDeleteSorry
I did not know Ecuador had such a violent community. This article really did inspire me. The fact this this nun had the courage to approach these gang member and get to know them just astounds me. Her quotes about love really do make sense and she proved that they are true. Curbelo really has made a difference. She developed all of this countries negative energy and made it into something good. She is teaching them life lessons and she really believes that they deserve a better life. I believe that these people are truly striving to go somewhere with their lives. Before Curbelo came they did not know there was good in the world, now they truly have something to live for. This community is now a true community they have learned to work collectivly with their old enemies and make a living for themselves.
ReplyDeleteWhy was this community so violent to begin with, did the government have an influence on this communities violence?
Taylor W. , Block C
I was very impressed with this woman’s story of courage and faith in people that other wise would not have been given a chance. It is a great example of one persons fortitude to make a big change and effect the world on a global level. I find her view on gangs revolutionary and profound. To look at them as a positive instead of a negative and too see their advancements of unity and team work is very interesting.
ReplyDelete- how long did it take for this change to take place?
amanda p. block a
This was a fascinating article. The idea that love could change violent gang members is a beautiful one. Curbelo found the positive apsects of gangs, where many would deny that one exists. She says that they are evidence of neglected teens attempting to form a team, so that they can love and support each other where their families failed to do so. She is one of a very few people who would notice that, and then one of an even smaller number who would take those positive aspects and put them to use. That she even went so far as to get a murderer released from prison because she trusted him to give up crime seems amazing to me.
ReplyDeleteHow could Curbelo trust George when he said that he was going to give up crime altogether? Was there a promise made, or was it just blind faith?
Erin J.
Block C
this article is truly inspriational. Nelsa Curbelo is an amazing woman. instead of lookin at them as "deliquents" she excepted every one of them and helped them. i have been involved with something like this with maybe two or three people, but a whole community i don't think i could it. She shows strength and determination which we all need acroos the world. instead of just sitting back and letting the violence happen we should all try and take a stand to change it. my favorite part of the article was when a former gang leader, George said "love motivates you to change and you start to see new positive options for your life. It’s something that touches your heart." He is right. this should be able to inspire the world to change the violence going on in their cities or coutries. Love is a powerful thing, and it can over power anything.
ReplyDelete-What made it so violent there?
Heather Corrigan
Block B
Nelsa Curbelo is an inspiration to all. Her passion and faith in God shined through her actions. With her continuous help of the gangs in Guayaquil, Nelsa established a bond, a source of trust, with teenagers, such as George and Angelo, who some may call criminals. She, instead of calling them criminals, devoted herself to them by traveling through one of the most aggressive crime scenes to help them through issues in their life that lead them to a life of violence and hate. Nelsa showed them love as she cared for them, provided them with opportunities to turn their lives around and begin a new future. She is an amazing woman of patience, love, forgiveness, faith, and hope for a better world and by sharing all of her profound gifts her wish came true.
ReplyDeleteWas religion taught by Nelsa Curbelo from the beginning, when she won their hearts over with love, or did it never play a major aspect on their turn-around? Was it hard for Nelsa to incorporate religion into their new lives?
Kayte T.
Block A
This article was a very inspiring and uplifting. I never knew that one person alone could have made such an impact on one city. It is nice to see that there are positive and good things happening in the world because most of the time, when we look at the news and newspapers, its pages and broadcasts are filled with murders and crimes, and they dwell on all of the evil in the world. I am glad to hear that a 66 year old woman has enough faith, courage, and strength to help deal with the problems of gangs. She would walk the neighborhoods of Guayaquil alone listening to anyone, no matter whom they were or where they came from; she was always there for them no matter what. It was nice to see that she dealt with gangs in a new light, instead of forcing them or threatening them to do something or instead of just setting up centers, she went to them. She showed them love and that’s all that they really needed. Like Nelsa Curbelo said, “Love has the power to transform lives, to change cities and the whole world…” When the rest of the world saw these kids as evil she saw them as good kids who just needed someone to love them and make them feel like they were worth something. She gave them hope for a new and better life. Now instead of fighting and committing crimes these former gang members are now business owners. Again, it is amazing to see how much one woman changed a city and potentially peoples views of gangs by showing others what it truly means to love one another.
ReplyDeleteThis article was written in June 2008, I was wondering how the ex-gang members are doing, since this was written? Have they kept their promises or have any of them resorted back to violence and gang life?
Bride S. Block
bride s. Block B
ReplyDeleteI really liked this article. It shows us that no matter what happens in life love is always there to make it better. Nelsa Curbelo had shown us this by working with kids who have problems. She taught them not to take life for granted and to do what is right and not doing something that is wrong. I am really amazied how she did it all.
ReplyDeleteWas it easy for Nelsa Curbelo to have these kids who thought violence solved all their problems to kids who know violence was never the answer?
Samantha T.
Block: A
This article was a nice change in reading. I was surprised by it, but very pleasantly surprised. I wish more countries had an organization like this. Do you think that the US will follow Ser Paz's lead and create a program like it? Does Nelsa Curbelo plan to expand Ser Paz to other cities and countries? I can't believe that her idea worked. All it took was to talk to them and to give them an alternate option. I think it's really cool that they now run businesses. It's cool that the businesses are things that would interest people their age. It's not like she's forcing the boys to do something like getting them jobs at El McDonald's if they even have those in Ecuador. What a cool lady. Block C
ReplyDeleteIt surprised me to read that a sixty-six year old woman could change the lives of gang members. The last person who I thought would ever try to help gangs is an elder woman. But, to hear that she started an organization called Ser Paz, proves me wrong. It was inspiring to read that so many boys have been enlightened to the better things in life. They are learning how to work for what they have, respect everyone they know, and also how to love someone. It was remarkable to read that one boy, Angelo, could turn his entire life around and learn the meaning of working together with other former gang members. The statements that Curbelo made about love, has taught me that without the help and support of others, love will never be established.
ReplyDeleteAre there any other projects that Curbelo is cuurently working on right now, in order to help either former gang members, or people who just need direction in their lives?
Chelsea F, Block B
This article was very interesting. I couldn't believe how something so big could be narrowed down to something so small. Also, how one person made the change. It was very fastinating do see how many lives Curbelo change. I loved reading about how she did what she did out of the kindness of her heart. She saw what needed help and she provided. Just like how when we ask God for help, he provides.
ReplyDeleteMy question is; Did Curbelo have to start with her own money, did she get paid for her work?
hannah flanagan c block
This article was incredibly inspiring. I was shocked to read that Nelsa Curbelo created such a massive change in an entire city. Curbelo's trust in love is shown throughout the article, and it really provides me with hope-- one person, using the concept of love, changed so many people's lives. The positive aspects that Curbelo finds in the gang members and the respect and love that the same gang members have for Curbelo is so awe-inspiring... I loved reading about how the gang members did something as symbolic as running over their weapons with a steam roller (which, by the way, was my favorite part of the entire article =D). George's story is also so empowering, to think that this man who once committed murder now puts so much trust and respect in a 66-year-old woman, that he has changed his life because of her... It is simply amazing and really makes me want to do something similar to what Curbelo has done.
ReplyDeleteWhat inspired Curbelo to work in Ecuador, and why with gang members?
CC F, B Block
I really liked this article because it showed how an everyday person can change the lives of so many people in the littlest way. It made me realize that no matter how bad you think your life is there is someone suffering more than you so you need to be thankful for what you have. We should be thankful that we can walk out of our house and not have to worry about a gang coming up to you. Also it is really inspirational that Curbelo was a normal everyday person who wanted to help people and did all this from the kindness of her own heart. Curbelo has such a strong faith in God and she never gave up even when she was in one of the most dangerous cities in Ecuador. It was nice reading this article since it was about something good happening because I feel like all we ever hear on the news is about bad stuff happening around the world.
ReplyDelete- How was the city so violent to begin with? Also why did all of these gangs start to form?
Kaila H, Block A
This article was very inspirational. The idea that one woman made such an impact on a community was amazing. Before Nelsa came to the rescue, there were 100 murders a month. Because of her love that she had for everyone, that number was reduced to 10 a month. Showing love towards others makes them feel special and shows them that someone actually cares about them. If they do not have this love in their life, they feel alone and obligated to do whatever it takes for people to know them, which could include violence. Violence should not be the answer and that is why when Nelsa showed love for the gang members, they felt special and changed their way for the better of their community.
ReplyDeleteWhat led to all of the violnce in this community? And could a person such as Nelsa enter into a US city and make the same impact she did in Ecuador ?
Kristyn W, Block C
This artical was extremely inspiring yet heart breaking at the same time. It simply seems unreal to me that there are so many people invovled in gang violence. Reading this artical made me realize how much i take for granit the peaceful live i have been able to grow up in. The part of this artical that inspired me the most was when they explained how Nelsa Curbelo pointed out all the positives of being part of gang to slowly reduce gang violence. I always think it takes someone special to think out of the box and Nelsa did just that when she talked about how gangs use team work and support from one another. It really touched me. The part of this artical that made my heart about break was when they talked about how there have been 100 murders per month in this town of Ecudaor. That is simply absurd and seems like it must be a wrong statistic. Sadly enough it was the truth but currently with the help of Ser Paz the murder rate has dropped to 10 per month. That simply astounds me. Hopefully the rate will be even lower in the near future. I really enjoyed this artical becuase it showed me how a few people can make a huge difference in the world.
ReplyDeleteEileen Adler Block A
How did Nelsa know that this was the type of work she wanted to do in oreder to help others ?
I really like this article. It shows that anyone can do good in the world and it does not matter what age you are. Nelsa was a really able to help these people overcome such violents acts by just talking to them and actually caring about them and that is truly inspiring to me. It is so hard to realize that this one person can change the mind of many, when here in America people just don't even think about what is going on in the world around us. Many of us our caught up in ourselves but Nelsa was able to love everyone and not be selfish.Nelsa said that "Love is the greatest power in the universe." These kids in the gangs did not even know what love was until Nelsa, because there parents did not even care about them. It truly is remarkable how one person can affect the lives of many. My one question is the reason the gangs all started? Were they because of family issues? or what?
ReplyDeleteMolly D, Block A
i thought this was a good article. most arlicles about gangs and violence dont have a happy ending or a soultion like this one did, it just tells what happended and how many people were killed or injured. Curbelo had a lot of courage to take this problem head on and find a solution that would work for everyone. i liked the philosophy she had when she pointed out what the good things they were doing and representing are,rather than just attacking them and telll them everything theyre doing wrong. This just shows how one simple person can change the lives of many and also many to come. what i do wonder is how the city got so violent in the first place, and what made them listen to Nelsa ?
ReplyDeletemo bole, block c
I thought that this article showed alot about how one person can make a differnce. There used to be so many more deaths, and then once Curbelo started this program the death rates went down. She has so much bravery to put herself in that position of danger to help teenagers of the different gangs to get along. I think it shows all of us that we need to be
ReplyDeletewilling to help other people because sometimes all anyone needs is a little guidence, and it can make a huge change in a communnity for the better. One question I have from the article is what made Curbelo so relatable to the teenagers that they stopped all this violence to listen to her?
Colleen M
Block C
this article amazed me. i never really knew how much of a difference one person could be to the wellbeing of an entire city. she completely turned their behavior around, and showed them each step of the way. she didnt just didnt tell them what they were doing wrong and tell them to fix it, but she gave them credit for the togetherness and such they had and helped them become civilized young men. i also thought it was a very good idea how she made certain guidelines for their businesses, where they had to have a member of an enemy gang, becasue this truly ties them together as one. the only question i have is why wouldn't this article be in the news or somthing bigger than odea magazin rather than articles about violence without a happy ending?
ReplyDeletemaggie berry block A
I really liked this article. I think it was amazing that the teenagers who once murdered and dealed drugs changed so quickly. The Ser Paz was a great idea. The fact that the people had to give up crimes to join was very clever, and the results were outstanding. What really shocked me was when the people ran over their weapons with a steamroller. I think it was great that the man who was imprisoned for murder got a second chance. It really sounded like he was a changed man when he was talking about love. My question it why were the people so willing to give up crime so quickly?
ReplyDeleteJulie J block C
I thought this article was inspiring. It shows you how much one person can make an influence and change people's lives. I thought Curbelo's message to all the kids in Guayaquil was amazing. Nothing is more revolutionary than love,” Curbelo said, i think that is such a strong and powerful message to be telling young kids who are getting involved with violence. I love how this women had the courage to talk to all these violent teens by her self, she eally showed them that she wasn't scared of them and that they need to listen to what she has to say. I also thought it was terrible how there were 100 deaths a month! i think that is a horrible thing to have to deal within that city and cutting the deaths down to only 10 is remarkable. My only question is why were the teens turing to gangs and violence in the first place, how'd theses gangs start off?
ReplyDeleteGenna c Block A
I loved reading this article! It was very inspirational and it really made me admire this womans courage and bravery. I thought it was terrible that she had found out that gang members would kill people just to be noticed. i thought it was awesome that she wanted to help young people instead of ignoring what was going on. i also thought it was cool that she did this on her own without anyones help. the one thing that bothered me though was how the kids got into gangs. i wonder if the parents were either really young when they had them or if they were just neglectful parents?
ReplyDeleteBeth Block C
I thought that the message this woman sends is important to the youth in Ecuador. She was able to stand up for what she believed in, peace. I think that is an incredible task to take on; stopping countless gangs in such a corrupted city. I do not feel that just anyone cold do that, it had to take someone with a lot of strenght and faith in what they were trying to accomplish. I think that what this sister did will have effects for years to come in that city. My question would be how could this sister spread this peace-inspiring program to other troubled cities in the area?
ReplyDeleteSarah R Block C
I enjoyed reading this article. This program, Ser Paz, gives hope and a wonderful change to the people of Guayaquil. It gives them a chance to start over, and use peaceful means to experience life. This obviously has been a challenge for Curbelo. But through all her hard work she has been able to give these people the new life they need. I still can't believe that there were once 100 deaths within the city and now their are only 10. This drastic change not only helped those involved but it probably gives the other people of the town a sense of safety. One question that I have is how did a gang leader promise the rest of his life without crime so completely?
ReplyDeleteEllie B Block B
Ser Paz was a nifty idea. Had I heard of the idea in the early days of Guayaquil I probably would have said it wouldn't have worked. That's what surprised me most is that it worked and kept working. One thing that disturbed me that Curbelo commented on was that violence was just a way to establish your presence. The fact that the people were once so careless about it but now take it seriously is inspiring. I wonder if a similar program would have the same impact on violence and gangs in the U.S.
ReplyDeletethat comment was molly maloney. i forgot to add
ReplyDeleteI thought this article to be very inspiring. Nelsa Cuberlo is a very strong, determined, and loving person who believed in these kids when no one else did. I liked how she would go out in the streets at night despite all the violence she knew was happening. She truly risked her life for them and I don't think many people would be willing to do that because they would assume that these kids were hopeless. It truly amazes me that because of one person's kindness and consideration they were able to decrease the violence level from 100 murders a month to 10. I also like how she brought the kids hope and inspiration in their own lives as well. One question I have is how did all of the gang members just agree to stop violence so suddenly when it seemed to be a part of their daily lives?
ReplyDeleteJulie DeLong Block B
I thought this article was very inspiring and encouraging. It would take alot og guts to do what Curbelo did. Walking the streets alone at night, talking with these teenagers who really only know violence in their lives. It shows you that there is hope and this one womans actions, changed an entire community and town.It would be very scary talking to gang members but Curbelo showed us that by showing love to others, they show it to you in return. One question i would have is How did Curbelo help George get out of prison foever, and how did he promise to give up crime?
ReplyDeleteMaddie Keefe Block B
This article was very uplifting. Reading about how Curbelo walked the streets at night and talked to the gang members shows inner strength and strength from her faith. Many others probably thought those gangs were hopeless and were not worth helping but Curbelo did not. She never gave up on them and always believed in them. She truly had a calling to help this city and the lost souls within. I look up to her for her strength and heart. I just do not completly understand how this woman got rid of gangs when they seemed to be a way of life to the city of Guayaquil?
ReplyDeleteamy s A
I found this article very inspirational, that one person can make that much of a difference. Being someone who wants to go into social work when they grow up, it was really interesting to read about someone who did something related to what I want to do, on a smaller scale. I think it is amazing to read about what faith she had in the teenagers that only knew the ways of violence and anger. The fact that she can turn their whole mindset around is truly a miracle. Reading about people like this, there's no way you can question God's presence in our lives. The only question I would have is did she ever feel like giving up or feel like her efforts were useless?
ReplyDeleteMaddie g block B