Gang Prevention and Intervention Programs
Some programs work to prevent youths who are at risk from joining gangs. They also target youths who have recently joined gangs since talking them out is easy compared to long term hardcore members. An example is the Strive For Success Gang Prevention Program; it provides mentoring and counselling services to this youth, group services based on gender, and reconnects ex-gang members to their families through behavioural health programs.
If I had unlimited resources, I would surely help ex-gang members to start a new everyday life lessening their chances of reverting to their gang life. I would also try to eradicate gangs. Now that I am conversant with the issues that force most young men to join gangs, my first step would be mitigating these factors. The first issue is education; this does not only involve gang members but the public in general. Conducting intensive public awareness on the adverse effects of gang activities, I believe, would make fewer people want to join the gangs. I would push for the Incorporation of gang sensitization into the regular school curriculum; this would serve the effect of constantly teaching children about gang-related effects from a young age which will influence their decision making once they grow up into the normal. This mass sensitization may also include proposing to and funding the existing gangs to undertake other income-generating activities that will benefit them and the society and ultimately alleviate criminal activities.
Another vital issue that I found to be causing people to join gangs is unemployment. Most young people, after completion of their studies, face hurdles in finding job openings. Due to frustration, they resort to joining gangs to earn a living through criminal activities. To mitigate that issue, I would create more job opportunities, especially for young people. I would also support small business enterprises and self-employment projects. Doing this will enable them to sustain themselves financially and keep them engaged and reduce their chances of joining gangs.