Fortaleza in Brazil is often referred to as “the city of violence”. One man, Paulo Uchôa, is making a big difference. He has dedicated his life to keeping and taking the youth of his community out of the world of drugs and violence. Where many didn’t mind when drug dealers would be killed by the police or a gang, Paulo expressed his trust in them and told them this was not their future. By engaging with the gangsters (often murderers) in this way, Paulo risked his own life. But he persevered and in the last decade hundreds of young gangsters radically changed their life. Today, Paulo is one of the most respected people in the community, not only by the police and the citizens but also the drug dealers of his city.
In the Buikwe district of Uganda the practice of ritual child sacrifice has been carried out by local witch doctors since 2008. Community members are being told by these witch doctors that child sacrifice is a solution to social and economic issues. Because of their spiritual authority in the community, people believe it and traditional programs are not enough to put a stop to the child sacrifice practices. It’s a spiritual problem that requires a spiritual solution. As a faith-based organisation World Vision was able to bring community and religious leaders from all faiths together for one purpose: child protection. Their collaboration has turned out to be very successful.