Through 2012, Comuna 13 was in crisis: residents lived in constant fear of violence, there were few job prospects for locals, and the youth had limited access to quality education both due to lack of transportation as well as security issues. The community had two major needs in order to move beyond such issues: more aid and vigilance from Medellín's local government, and also the cultivation of unity between community members in order to resist the violence and constant threats that plagued their community.
Just like all human communities around the world, the residents of Medellín's Comuna 13 longed to live safe, comfortable and joyful lives. However, the community of Comuna 13 lacked sufficient vigilance from local government officials, as well as a strong communal front against the gangs and paramilitary groups that threatened them. This left residents constantly vulnerable to violence, with high unemployment rates and with a lack of access to basic necessities such as education and healthcare. The only way to move forward would be to establish a community resilience network through which residents could build trust among one another and create a front against threatening gangs and local criminals. The community would also require the support of Medellín's local government in order to back up their efforts and provide further resources and protection for them.
Today, Comuna 13 is a very different place than it was just a few years ago. Young locals like my tour guide, David, have the opportunity to work in the community's expanding tourism industry, and can even seek a university education.
