In an effort to prevent criminal behavior and provide positive alternatives for the city’s youth, Mayor Norma Bustamante inaugurated the “D.A.R.E. After School” program this Saturday. The initiative, launched at the SNTE General Secondary School No. 23 in Valle de Pedregal, aims to impact the lives of children and teenagers through a series of engaging workshops.
The program represents a strategic partnership between the Municipal Public Security Directorate, the D.A.R.E. Board, the Mexicali Economic Development Council (CDEM), the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), and the local education sector.
“Throughout these four years, we have turned prevention into the best weapon against violence. Together with D.A.R.E.,we have managed to impact more than 52,000 students in a single year, promoting a culture of peace and steering them away from harmful behaviors.”
Carlos Armando de Anda, President of the D.A.R.E. Board, explained the collaborative nature of the project. CDEM is supporting the program through material and supply donations, while UABC has provided 180 university students to serve as instructors. This volunteer force is expected to teach various disciplines to approximately 800 children and youth, aged 10 to 15.
The program will extend beyond its inaugural location. In addition to Secondary School No. 23, the workshops will be implemented at other institutions, including Centenario Lomas Altas #14, Valle de Puebla #15, and Nuevo León #10 in Valle de Mexicali.
The “D.A.R.E. After School” program will leverage a multi-faceted approach, offering 44 different workshops focused on art, culture, sports, music, and education including soccer, volleyball, basketball, taekwondo, boxing, flag football, mathematics, English, Spanish, crafts, chess, drawing, dance, and guitar, among others. Weekly activities are scheduled for Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
The inauguration was attended by Adolfo Soto Curiel, Vice Rector of UABC; Luis Felipe Chan; Cynthia Ramírez, Director of CDEM; the DSPM Director; Francisco Cabanillas, Director of the Mexicali D.A.R.E. Board; and María Lucila Guízar, Director of the “SNTE” General Secondary School No.23.
