On May 26 and 27, Leme conducted a field visit program with Chris Blattman, professor at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and an internationally recognized scholar of violence, organized crime, and the development of programs to prevent youth involvement in criminal activity. The activities were attended by Julia Guerra, Director of Projects and Research and Co-Founder of Leme, and the Leme prevention team, Giovanna Úbida, Vinicius Peçanha, and Melissa Abla. The group was received by Jefferson Quirino, Founder and President of the Favela Radical NGO and a Leme expert, as well as professionals from the social assistance network of the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro.

The first visit took place in Morro do Turano, where the team learned about the work carried out by Favela Radical. Founded in 2017, the project supports the holistic development of children and adolescents through sports, educational, and cultural activities, combining extreme sports, academic tutoring, English classes, robotics, and theater.

During the visit, the team observed the activities carried out by the project and discussed the challenges of creating opportunities for young people living in territories marked by violence and inequality. The discussions addressed the implementation of community programs, the development of relationships with children, adolescents, and families, and the role of these initiatives in expanding educational and professional opportunities.

The program also included discussions on opportunities for cooperation among civil society organizations, researchers, and public institutions focused on violence prevention. The conversations addressed strategies to expand young people’s access to educational, cultural, and professional opportunities, as well as initiatives capable of taking preventive action on factors associated with involvement in criminal activity.

The following day, the agenda continued at the Specialized Social Assistance Reference Center (CREAS) Stella Maris, in Ilha do Governador. The team was received by Fabiana Figueiredo, Director of the unit, and by the professionals responsible for supporting adolescents served by the service.

During the visit, participants learned about the work carried out with adolescents serving non-custodial socio-educational measures, such as Assisted Freedom (LA) and Community Service (PSC). The CREAS team presented the main challenges involved in supporting these young people, the strategies used to encourage their continued participation in socio-educational activities, and coordination with schools, healthcare and social assistance services, and families.

The visits provided an opportunity to learn about experiences operating at different stages of young people’s trajectories. While Favela Radical develops initiatives focused on prevention and expanding opportunities for children and adolescents, CREAS supports young people who have already come into contact with the justice system. For Leme, engaging with community initiatives, researchers, and public-sector professionals is essential to understanding the challenges faced by young people and generating evidence that can contribute to more effective violence prevention policies.