"Easy Cash? Easily Caught!"

Article from the British Embassy: The British Embassy in Lima launches the video campaign “Drug Trafficking in South America: Easy Cash? Easily Caught!”

The campaign aims at making those tempted to get involved in drug trafficking aware of the high possibilities of being arrested and the consequences that this crime entails. Its objective is to make people think twice before they say, “I’ll do it”. Three prisoners’ personal testimonies describe their regrets at having gone for apparently easy cash, regrets that are shared by more than 100 British nationals detained in South America for drug smuggling. The testimonies were all filmed at the prison of Callao in Peru, where over 600 foreign nationals are held for drug trafficking. Read the full article on the British Embassy’s website and click here to see the video of the trafficker’s testimonies.

The British Embassy’s concern surrounding drug trafficking is promising for tackling the prevalent drug culture in South America. Particularly for Quest4Change, the British Embassy’s new campaign is a step in the right direction to engaging the drug problems that engulf Peru’s largest shanty town Villa Maria.

Indeed, Quest4Change’s work in Villa Maria aims to reduce the numbers of young children falling into the persistent allure of drugs and crime. For 14 years the Peru children’s project has entertained children during their summer holidays, encouraging community moral and keeping the children off the streets. Following the success of these activity camps Quest4Change built a much needed school for the 100 poorest children living in Villa Maria.

The Quest School in Villa Maria.

The majority of the students, such as little Ariana in the photo below, currently receive sponsors allowing them a free education. The remaining students all have subsidised fees that allow them to attend school and consequently increase their future prospects.

Ariana one of our students.

Now, thanks to the donations we have received, we are doubling the size of the Quest school and hope to offer a further 100 children living well below the poverty line a chance at an education and a better life away from the temptations of Villa Maria’s ever present drug culture. To find out more about our project in Villa Maria and how you can make a difference please click here.

Natalie McIntosh