Barrio de Paz is the story of Nelsa Libertad Curbelo, a nun, who works with the gang youth of Guayaquil, Ecuador. The 17-minute documentary focuses on her explanations for the rise of gangs and for how gang culture reflects societal values.

Concepts

gangs, building community, respect

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Pause the video frequently for those who do not understand Spanish and must read the subtitles
• Have groups investigate Curbelo's charge that banks bankrupted the country
• Use the film as a professional development opportunity for educators who work with gangs or in communities where gangs are prevalent

Classroom Considerations

• A link to the video is provided in the Included Materials section of this review
• Subtitles are provided for the Spanish language video

Pros

• The five-page packet includes background on Nelsa, her commitment to working with the youth of Guayaquil, discussion questions, and writing prompts
• Film asks viewers to connect the moral codes depicted with those in their community

Cons

• Nelso speaks rapidly and is difficult to follow for non-Spanish speakers

Common Core

SL.9-10.1.a SL.11-12.1.a SL.11-12.1.c