Bogota,
Colombia, April 10, 2001
Victor Velasquez, a former gang member, signs autographs for kids who
recognize him from an episode of the TV series "Pandillas, Guerra y Paz"
(Gangs: War and Peace).
Bogota, Colombia, April 11, 2001
Gangs: War and Peace
Page 2
Aldana's natural talent got him a regular place on the show and helped him break into movies. "I got a role in Victor Gaviria's latest film. It's at the Cuban film festival now." But being a TV star has costs. Aldana doesn't party late at night with his old crowd anymore. "Some folks are envious. In this country you have to take threats seriously," he sighs. But I haven't forgotten Jovenes Con Futuro. I still do theatre projects with them."
Wilson Hormaza is legal representative for the youth program. He enjoyed being an extra on Pandillas, Guerra y Paz, but he wants to help the organization do more to help kids. "We're organizing soccer championships and job training and apprenticeships. That is a more realistic for most kids than acting on TV."
His friend Victor Velasquez agrees. "I was addicted to bazuco (a resin that forms as a byproduct in cocaine processing.) It's important for those of us who are changing to reach out to other kids. I used to get respect for being in a gang. But with Jovenes Con Futuro I can be a mirror for other kids to see a brighter future."